March 8: a day to shine

Women’s cycling continues to grow and gain recognition, but behind every victory are years of effort, dedication and perseverance. The women in this sport have broken barriers, proving that talent has no gender. At Orbea, we stand with them; supporting cyclists who not only compete at the highest level, but also inspire future generations.

From the toughest downhill runs to the speed of the road and the challenge of gravel, Orbea’s female athletes have left their mark on the world’s most prestigious races. Throughout our history, we have championed women’s cycling, supporting elite athletes and standing by them as they rise through the international ranks. We believe in their talent and the importance of creating opportunities—because their success reflects the sport’s evolution itself.

Orbea’s commitment to women’s cycling is not new. Over the years, we have supported great trailblazers who have definied new milestones in cycling’s history. Our commitment goes beyond racing: we continue to push for equality, visibility and growth of women’s cycling in all its disciplines.

On March 8, we’re launching an initiative to celebrate the female pioneers in this sport. One standout example is Saleta Castro, who has dedicated over 20 years to triathlon. She started at the age of 15 and hasn’t stopped since, completing 21 Ironman races and becoming Spanish champion in every triathlon distance. Despite her impressive career, Saleta has often felt the need to “justify” her results to receive the same recognition as her male counterparts.

She’s faced media outlets that sought to undermine or discredit the achievements of female athletes. Over the years, she’s heard it all: from being labeled a “failure” to accusations of using her period as an “excuse.” But none of it has stopped her. If she were to talk to her 10-year-old self, her advice would be simple: “Always go all the way, no matter what anyone says, because there’s nothing stronger than believing in yourself.”

More and more, people are looking to female athletes as role models—something Gabriela Seisdedos, nine-time Spanish motocross champion, knows firsthand. Gabriela was the first woman to compete professionally in motocross in Spain and has more national titles than any other female in the sport. From a young age, she had to carve out her own path, going from being “the only girl on a starting grid at the Spanish Championship” to leading her own team.

When Gabriela began competing, there was no female category, so she had to compete against boys that thought “being behind a girl” was a source of shame. Despite this, she managed to command respect in motocross. Today, she acknowledges the progress women’s sports has made, with more teams, coaches and role models. She also highlights the role of social media in increasing visibility for female athletes. But despite the progress, Gabriela admits there is still a long way to go.

Luckily, we are surrounded by many “Saletas” and “Gabrielas.” At Orbea, we have great female role models who inspire us every day.