In light of the recent widespread discussions in the news and amongst riders about rider health, The Cyclists’ Alliance today affirms its commitment to rider health.
Rider health and wellbeing is a top priority for us and for our members. We are concerned by practices and cultures in sport which put rider health at risk.
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Rider health and elite performance must go hand in hand. The sport today has more than enough scientific knowledge, insight and human experience to create sustainable, ethical, performances which do not compromise rider health.
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We are disappointed that women in sport receive a disproportionate amount of scrutiny about their bodies compared to their male counterparts. We encourage all of the voices in cycling to be leaders rather than followers, and to help to change the dialogue in elite sport when it comes to weight and women’s bodies.
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We hope for a future where women’s bodies are not so heavily scrutinised, whether in a bike race or in life.
At The Cyclists’ Alliance, we are committed to encouraging positive change in the peloton and to taking practical steps to make that happen.
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In Autumn 2024, we worked with experts to produce a screening protocol for riders. In November 2024, we shared our Proposal for an update of the UCI Mandatory examinations in the UCI medical programme for UCI Women’s WorldTeams. We proposed that athletes undergo a mandatory screening for REDS and bone mineral density as part of their annual screening process. We today invite the UCI to reconsider our proposal, and we offer our support and expertise. While we appreciate that this may require some work to ensure appropriate implementation, we believe that it is more than worth the effort to introduce some form of protocol for both female and male cyclists racing professionally under the UCI. The International Federation of Sports Climbing has already introduced a REDS screening policy since 2024. https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/news/new-competition-policy-places-ifsc-at-forefront-of-fight-against-reds
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In April 2025, The Cyclists’ Alliance brought together a working group of riders and experts to tackle the topic of nutrition, (low) energy availability and REDS in cycling. This working group most recently met on 6 August.
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In autumn 2025, The Cyclists’ Alliance is launching a campaign of education and awareness for rider health and wellbeing. As part of this programme, we will be providing support and education around nutrition, (low) energy availability and REDS in cycling. For the first time, The Cyclists’ Alliance will also be making separate sessions available for team staff and other supporters or interested parties.
“We are constantly working towards making professional cycling a sustainable and fulfilling career for women. Rider health and wellbeing are vital for career longevity. The current system is not set up to protect female health, so I believe it’s our duty to continue educating and advocating for better standards that allow women to perform with well-fuelled, strong, and happy bodies.” – Grace Brown, President of The Cyclists’ Alliance
Sign up as a rider member or supporter member today to be the first to hear more about our autumn education series…. Dates and more coming soon!
TCA is a rider-first, member-driven, and independent voice in women’s cycling. Our aim is to make the professional pathway not only viable but inspiring for current athletes and future generations alike.
