The Rocky Road of Being a Woman in Cycling in Belize

Veteran cyclist Kaya Cattouse has completed her 20th and final Cross Country ride in 2nd place, closing a chapter in Belizean cycling marked by both triumphs and challenges.

“It has been a rocky, rocky road being a woman in cycling in the country of Belize,” she said.

Even her farewell race nearly did not happen. Hours before the start, a dispute broke out when federation officials attempted to bar cyclists, who had already been cleared to compete, from racing in their jerseys. 

“We have people who are investing money. Cycling is not cheap… for the federation to come and say that the cyclists that they said can come cannot race in that jersey. That is absolutely ridiculous,” she said. Cattouse added that she was ready to load her bike onto a truck and head home before the issue was resolved.

Her concern now is for the riders coming up behind her, noting that roughly 15 to 20 minutes after she finished the race, the fourth-place group had still not crossed the line as she questioned whether the federation is truly invested in raising the standard of the sport.

“I don’t know if they’re really worried about the future of cycling when they take bold moves like that,” she said.

Her message to young girls thinking about cycling was simple: “Do it for yourself. Set goals; do it for your family. Find a meaning behind racing a bike,” she said.