The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) is proud to announce Grace Brown, Olympic Gold Individual Time Trial (ITT) medalist and ITT World Champion, as the new President. Brown will succeed current TCA President, Iris Slappendel. Slappendel was one of the key founding members of the organisation in 2017, when she retired from her 12-year professional cycling career, to pivot her focus on leading the way for change in women’s cycling to strive for fairness and build a better sport for those to come after her to ensure that all the hard-working women of today’s and the future peloton can make a living from the sport of cycling.
Grace Brown had warm words for the work done by the previous board members:
“Iris and all the other board members have made a tremendous contribution to the professionalisation of women's cycling. Their ambition and dedication were unmatched, and they have contributed greatly to the growth of the organisation as well as the recognition of the rider's rights. It is really important for me to have the guidance of Iris and Rhian in this transition period. After so many years growing the organisation, they have such a wealth of knowledge that I need to absorb. Their support will be instrumental in TCA's future successes”.
Current TCA President, Iris Slappendel commented:
“The Cyclists’ Alliance has been a big part of my life since we founded the organisation back in 2017. At that time, female professional cyclists had no voice and hardly any influence on where our sport was going. Being close to the peloton, representing the riders concerns and ideas to drive collective impact has always been the core of our work. I’m extremely proud of what the TCA has accomplished over the years. I’m not the kind of person that looks back and reflects a lot, but at this particular moment, I’m not only proud, but also grateful for the people who joined me on this journey and have given their all, just like I have. Because we all believed in the TCA’s mission. It has not always been easy or fun, and I have faced some backlash at times, but I’m even proud of that, not settling for the status quo and continuing to strive for fairness. I realised quickly that if you want to create change, people will feel attacked. Especially in a sport many would like to keep it as it is. It is emotional to step down from the role of president, but our selection process and transition has been highly considered to ensure we set Grace up for success in her new role. With Grace becoming President, I know the organization is in good hands. She is a well respected leader in the peloton and understands the needs and concerns of the riders in a changing landscape. She is easily approachable and not afraid to go after the change she and her current colleagues want to see to drive sustainable systemic change. Over the years the TCA has become more than just me. We have a strong and experienced board, an engaged rider council, and a very empowered group of staff members collaborating together. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey alongside me and will continue to do so with Grace. A big thank you to all the riders, you have been fantastic allies.”
Following the General Assembly, new members of the Rider Council will also be announced. TCA would like to deeply thank all Rider Council members who will step down this year: Audrey Cordon-Ragot, Christine Majerus, Amanda Spratt, and Marcella Toldi. They have all greatly contributed to our work in striving for change in women’s cycling.
TCA is currently interviewing applicants for the position for the Vice-President, applications are still open. Please find more information here if you are interested in applying to join the board.
For all media inquiries, please contact: communications@cyclistsalliance.org
photo credit: SWpix.com