Just because positive discrimination includes the word discrimination, it doesn’t mean it is a bad thing.
Certain organisations that did for a while engage in positive discrimination would disagree. It certainly causes tension. I think there’s a difference between encouragement and discrimination though.
I wouldn’t say 0/118 was that far off representative of the ethnic diversity in the sport – certainly of the MTBers I’ve met very few aren’t white (or at least wouldn’t appear white in a cover shot).
I’m sure there have been women on the cover, although as I’ve only had a couple of issues I can’t check.
As an example, however, the track league attracts a diverse range of ages, from schoolchildren to 70+, and whilst probably not 50/50 on gender is pretty close, as well as having a visible number of non-white participants. I’m not sure how MTB can come closer to that – I think in a lot of ways, the velodrome is more accessible (cheaper bikes, less maintenance, accessible at a council run facility with hire bikes), and perhaps that’s why.
Anyway, it’s a great mag and I’d subscribe if I thought I’d have time to read it.