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This is a question related to competitive cycling. I would like to narrow it down to the historical aspect. I am interested in the political and social aspects, but I would gently ask to leave them out from the specific question asked here.
Does anybody know when and where the first podium girls appeared at a cycling race? (I do not exclude answering myself the question in the near future, I am asking in case someone already did this research)
"As soon as cycling races started" is probably one way of answering your question "when and where the first podium girls appeared at a cycling race?"
I had a look at Greek art related to sports. A lot of it shows women which seem to meet the Greek ethos of female beauty. On that basis I would argue the idea of attractive women accompanying male sports winners is as old as sport. It is unlikely the first presence of a podium girl at a cycling race is documented, but I think it is safe to assume they were pretty much always there.
I know it was goddess Nike and not just a civilian, and I'm sorry if you were after a specific event name, date and location but hopefully you can see this as one way of answering your question.
If you were after the oldest specific, traceable record/mention of a podium girl at a cycling race, then you may want to reword your question.
Examples below - possibly NSFW.
