About
Us
About
Us
The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) is the independent voice of women’s professional cycling that represents and supports female riders from around the world. Founded and led by former and current professional cyclists, TCA provides resources to help riders succeed both on and off the bike. With a mission to ‘strive for fairness’, TCA advocates for equal opportunities, better working conditions, and a level playing field for women in cycling. The goal is to create a future where every rider can thrive and earn a sustainable living from the sport. Join the movement driving real change in women’s cycling – whether as a rider or supporter, your involvement can make a real difference. Empowering Riders, Advancing Equality, Securing Futures.
Our Aim
Our goal is to empower riders both on and off the bike by offering comprehensive assistance including legal support, contract evaluations, career development guidance, mentorship opportunities and representation within cycling’s governing bodies.
Become a Supporter
For any individuals, groups, and businesses eager to join us in championing change and fairness for female cyclists.
BECOME A SUPPORTERJoin as a Rider Member
For any female rider competing for a UCI-registered women’s team or racing in UCI-affiliated events.
BECOME A MEMBERSince its founding in 2017, The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) has achieved significant milestones in supporting professional female cyclists and continues to focus on key areas of work to empower female athletes.
Advocacy and Representation
Rider Council
TCA created an Elected Rider Council to give riders a direct voice in decision-making processes, empowering them to advocate for their interests and shape the future of the sport.
Expanded Rider Membership
TCA has grown its membership base, bringing together riders from UCI Women’s WorldTeams, ProTeams, and Continental teams, creating a united front across the sport.
Education and Awareness
Annual Rider Survey
TCA conducts an Annual Rider Survey to monitor shifts in women’s cycling and identify key challenges. The insights gained inform our advocacy and shape our organisational actions.
Educational Webinars
TCA offers webinars with industry experts for rider members on relevant topics impacting their health and cycling careers. Past webinars include topics such as Exercise-Induced Iliac Artery Endofibrosis (EIAE), Rider Agents & Contracts, Pelvic, Vulvar and Perineal health, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
Awareness Campaigns
We initiate educational and awareness campaigns on important topics within the sport. For example, the “Right to Say No” Campaign spotlighted riders’ rights, encouraging them to speak out against abuse, fostering a safer and more inclusive cycling environment.
Rider Support and Development
TCA Mentorship Programme (TCAMP)
Our mentorship programme provides essential tools and resources for rider career development and planning, focused on supporting riders both during and after their professional cycling careers.
TCAMP Pre-Career x Strava Athlete Grant Programme
In partnership with Strava and building on the existing TCAMP programme, we offer a financial grant and mentorship programme that connects young aspiring riders with experienced professionals who offer guidance and inspiration to help progress their careers.
Comprehensive Rider Resources and Assistance
Each year, TCA provides professional guidance on contracts, visas, payments, and other workplace concerns, helping riders manage the complexities of their careers.
Legal and Ethical Support
Legal Assistance
Our TCA legal team assists riders in navigating financial disputes, such as securing team bank guarantees (in instances like B&B Hotels, ZAAF and Lifeplus-Wahoo), ensuring compliance with UCI and national regulations.
Ethical Accountability
We work with riders to bring ethics cases to the UCI Ethics Commission and National Ethics Committees, addressing misconduct and advocating for integrity within the sport.
Key Figures in Professional Cycling
Supplementary employment
One in four riders hold a second job in addition to their racing career, reflecting the financial pressures many face in the sport.
Earnings outside the Women’s World Tour
More than half of riders outside the Women’s World Tour earn less than €10,000 annually, underscoring the financial challenges that exist beyond the top tier of teams.
Safety concerns as a leading reason for early retirement
The most common reason riders leave the sport prematurely is the perceived danger of racing, with many citing safety as a key factor in their decision.
Feeling unsafe within teams
Nearly one in five riders report feeling unsafe within their cycling team, highlighting concerns that go beyond just the physical risks of racing.
TCA legal advice highly valued
Riders continue to rank the TCA’s free legal services as the most important benefit of membership, emphasizing the critical support they offer in navigating contractual and legal challenges.
Source: 2024 Annual TCA Rider survey
Supplementary employment
25%
riders hold a second job in addition to their racing career, reflecting the financial pressures many face in the sport.
Earnings outside the Women’s World Tour
+50%
of riders outside the Women’s World Tour earn less than €10,000 annually, underscoring the financial challenges that exist beyond the top tier of teams.
Feeling unsafe within teams
1/5
Nearly one in five riders report feeling unsafe within their cycling team, highlighting concerns that go beyond just the physical risks of racing.
Source: 2024 Annual TCA Rider survey