Cycling is one of the toughest sports in the world. But before considering the finish line, even the best riders in the world must focus on reaching the start line first. Low salaries, routine mistreatment and sexual discrimination are all barriers to be overcome.
But overcome them we will. Run by former and current pros, The Cyclists’ Alliance is a foundation, funded purely by donations and subscriptions, that provides holistic support to professional female cyclists during and after their careers. We work hard to secure fairer pay for female athletes, resolve disputes with teams, provide emotional and economic support, and elevate the appeal of women’s cycling.
We help our supported riders in many ways but our ultimate goal is a single word. And it’s not too much to ask.
Fairness.
The Cyclists’ Alliance consists of a Rider’s Council and professional cyclists, all supported by the board. Together they decide on the directions of the TCA.
TCA Board: Responsible for management of the TCA and connecting with all stakeholders
Iris Slappendel, Executive Director
Former pro cyclist and co-founder of the TCA. She is in charge of all organizational decision making, strategy and planning.
"Our mission is complete if every young girl can dream of a career in professional cycling. In a safe environment with equal rights, opportunities and pay."
Rhian Ravenscroft, Vice Director
Corporate and commercial lawyer with 15 years’ experience. She raced competitively from the age of 9 (running, triathlon, cycling) at a national level. As the Vice-Director of The Cyclists’ Alliance, Rhian is in charge of working with stakeholders like the UCI, teams and race organizers on a daily basis. She is also building sponsor relationships.
Gracie Elvin, Co-Founder and TCAMP co-manager
Professional cyclist and two-time Australian national road champion is responsible for the creation and running of our Mentorship Program alongside Roos.
“It’s important to me to lead by example and show other female riders that their voice matters. Even the smallest of actions can lead to big changes for all of us.”
Roos Hoogeboom, Treasurer & TCAMP Co-Manager
Former pro cyclist and Msc in Management, Economics and Consumer Studies. Roos is responsible for the finances of the alliance, the creation of a budget for managing the day-to-day operations and co-running the Mentorship program with Gracie.
"I would like to achieve that all cyclists are entirely justified when and wherever they are. And they know the TCA will always have their back."
Ellen van Dijk, Rider Representative
Professional cyclist for Trek-Segafredo Women starting her 17th season in 2022. Current European Road Champion and World ITT Champion (a title Ellen last held in 2013). Ellen has also won the esteemed Tour of Flanders in 2014, Dwars door Vlaanderen in 2018 and 2019, and been on the podium many times, but Ellen is also one of the most respected domestique riders in the peloton.
“a lot is happening in women’s cycling. It's important that we, as the peloton, have a voice in the changes.”
Riders Council: Elected by the riders, to give information on interests, concerns, challenges and the opportunities faced by cyclists, led by Ellen van Dijk and supported by Leah Kirchmann as Vice-Rider Representative.
Leah Kirchmann (CAN) Vice Rider Representative
Olympian and Maglia Rosa holder
"Women’s cycling is full of potential... if we stand together, we can create a safe, stable and prosperous sport.”
Marianne Vos (NED)
First women to become world champion on the road, track and CX.
“I want to create a platform from which the dreams of every aspiring cyclist can be launched.”
Christine Majerus (LUX)
Former world champion TTT and 33 times national championship winner
“We all need to come together, leave our differences behind and speak up as a united voice.”
Amanda Spratt (AUS)
Olympian and three time winner of Australian National Championships
'Now is the right time to give back some of my knowledge and experience, so I am very proud to be a rider representative”
Audrey Cordon-Ragot (FRA)
Four times winner of French National Time Trials.
“I have watched women’s cycling grow...it is time for me to join the movement and use my experiences to make it even better.”
Ariane Luthi (SUI)
Multiple winner of some of the most gruelling mountain bike stage races in the world.
“I felt pretty lonely at that front, I thought it would be amazing if there was a union that could have my back”
Haley Smith (CAN)
After a breakthrough 2018 MTB XCO season, Haley is rising up the ranks. Haley has also spent the last two years serving as the MTB representative on Cycling Canada's Athlete Council.
“There are extra challenges for non-European riders and I want to use this experience to help grow the discipline into a more global and equitable sport”
Marcella Toldi (BRA)
Currently involved with One Passion; promoting cycling development in Brazil, Marcella wants to also bridge the gap between Latin America and European pro cycling.
“I know that in order to change the story of cycling in Brazil, I will have to act and get involved”
Agua Marina Espinola (PRY)
First Paraguayan rider qualified for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2021.
“I would like to be the voice of the small countries and riders who like me, are fighting to be part of the world of professional cycling.”
Marieke De Groot (NL)
Marieke previously raced for Health Mate - Cyclelive & Doltcini - Van Eyck Sport and is still actively racing and. supporting developing talent.
“I want to add my voice to represent the level below the World Tour teams (Continental & ambitious club teams). In my opinion these are a very important level for developing young talent”
Luciana Roland (ARG)
Panamerican Champion XCO U23 2017, Champion Argentina XCO 2007-2010-2015-2016-2017 and South American champion XCO 2016
““I want to add more diverse and varied experiences and points of view so that more can be known about what the athlete lives and experiences”
TCA Staff: Responsible for day to day running of TCA
Lexi Brown: Operations and Marketing Officer. Lexi is also the first point of contact for any rider query via info@cyclistsalliance.org and can ensure your query reaches the right expert.
Marnix van Ark: Legal Advisor
Judith Van Maanen: Ethics Officer
Deena Blacking: VISA Support
Alex Wilson: Taxation Guidance
Advisory board
| Brendan Schwab | Executive Director, World Players Association. Labour & human rights lawyer. |
| Uni World Players Association | Sporting Union advisors |
| EU Athletes | Athletes Rights advisors |
| Marnix van Ark | Legal advisor |
| Eric Vile | Legal advisor |
| Joe Harris | Business consultant |
| Jack Lindsay | Partnerships Advisor |
| Michael Townshend | Corporate Identity, Digital communications |
| Kristen Worley | Gender Rights Advisor |
| Carmen Small | TCAMP Mentor Program |
| Andrea Marcellini | Adviser Governance and Strategy |
If you want to share any insights please contact a member of the board: info@cyclistsalliance.org