First Meeting of 2023: Discussions on topics related to the challenges of the growing sport of women's professional cyclings. “A productive meeting that will help shape the work the TCA focuses on for the season ahead… The year is off to a good start for TCA"
On February 1, 2023, the first TCA Rider Council meeting of the new year was held. Many of the topics brought up by the council during the February 1, 2023 meeting related to challenges facing a growing sport: women's professional cycling.
Leah Kirchmann of TCA’s Board of Directors reported:
“Specific discussions took place about the number of World Tour teams, and the possibility and role of a Pro-Continental category. The topic of maternity leave in MTB/CX was brought up as well. The riders reviewed the new UCI prize money platform that was introduced in 2022. The topic of UCI arbitrators was discussed as well and a follow up letter planned.” On behalf of the Rider Council, TCA plans to request information from the UCI about arbitration and in particular, the proposed list of arbitrators.
Several topics relating to the health and safety of the peloton were discussed. “The first included the request for clarification and implementation of concussion protocols in races, especially given the recent example of a rider disqualification in Australia.” Riders also discussed the concept of implementing a particular genre of mandatory pre-season screenings to identify potential long term health issues in riders. “Riders concluded that we need to be treated as women first, and athletes second.” Lastly, questions pertaining to the rationale and enforcement of the UCI Regulations provision regarding maximum number of race days for women, were also discussed.
Leah Kirchmann concluded that the first Rider Council meeting of 2023 was: “A productive meeting that will help shape the work the TCA focuses on for the season ahead… The year is off to a good start for TCA”
TCA Rider Council meetings have been held bi-monthly since 2019 and are important opportunities to receive feedback from active riders regarding which priorities TCA’s overall vision and strategy should focus on. Riders who have questions or concerned are invited to connect with TCA by e-mail or using TCA’s rider hotline, available via the web form: https://cyclistsalliance.org/rider-hotline/