The Cyclists' Alliance expresses concerns over UCI's consultation

The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) replied to the UCI's consultation regarding the future of cycling with grave concerns about the state of women's cycling. In a letter addressed to the UCI, the advocacy group highlighted a perceived stagnation despite claims from the UCI that women’s cycling has seen "remarkable growth" in recent years. The letter, published on Monday, stated, "However, we are gravely concerned that this momentum has not led to a stronger structure for women’s professional cycling."

The TCA expressed skepticism about the foundations of the sport during a period of growth. Citing UAE Team ADQ rider Elisa Longo Borghini, who articulated fears that the WorldTour could "implode at some point", the alliance underscored the fragility of the existing competitive framework.

Among its recommendations, the letter suggested significant reforms in the funding structure of women's cycling, including revenue sharing and redistributing Women's WorldTour race days. One notable proposal involved rescheduling the Vuelta Femenina to take place after the men’s race in September. Additionally, the TCA criticized the insufficient coverage of various races, indicating that the UCI should mandate improved media exposure.

Safety was also a point of concern raised by the TCA, which proposed several strategies for enhancement, including implementing a rider-centered approach to GPS tracking, eliminating sharp turns in the last 500m of races, and reforming the yellow card system. The alliance stressed the need for addressing instability at lower levels of the sport, as numerous constraints such as the loss of races and rising budgets were causing many teams to fold, thereby eroding rider development pathways.

In their communication, the TCA asserted that despite women’s cycling gaining increased visibility, true long-term success hinges on reinforcing the sport's foundational structures. Deena Blacking, TCA's Interim Managing Director, stated, "Our goal is to ensure that growth in women’s cycling is matched by a strong and sustainable foundation. This submission represents the collective voice of riders and a shared vision for how the sport can continue to evolve."

The letter to the UCI spans over 5,600 words and is accessible on the organisation's website.