Question

When a troupe of "lady bicyclists" descended upon Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a six-day marathon in 1891, the entire Twin Cities area seemed captivated. Eight days before the start of the race, the St. Paul Daily Globe began profiling the women, offering brief descriptions of them and their past achievements. Louise Armaindo, the paper declared, had "the best record in the world among women as an all-round athlete," including the ability to lift 760 pounds "without shoulder straps."

–Wheels of Change,
Sue Macy

Read the passage. Which central idea is developed by the quotation in the last sentence?

Women were worthy cycling racers.
Bicycle racing was a popular sport.
Some did not support women racing.
Horses often beat cyclists in racing

Answer 1

Women were worthy cycling racers.

The quotation highlights Louise Armaindo’s exceptional athletic ability (“the best record in the world among women…,” lifting 760 pounds), supporting the idea that women were serious, capable athletes in cycling.