History of The Cyclists’ Alliance
Introduction
The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) was founded by Gracie Elvin, Carmen Small, and Iris Slappendel in December 2017, to advocate for women in professional cycling.
At the time, the men’s cycling union (CPA) did not represent the women’s peloton, so TCA stepped up to fill that need.
Leveraging their experience as current and former members of the professional peloton, the three founders conducted a survey with riders from UCI Women’s WorldTour and Continental teams, confirming the urgent need for a dedicated women’s association to improve economic and career opportunities within the sport.
The first rider survey was conducted in 2017, with over 200 riders sharing their experiences. This laid the foundation for a second, more detailed survey in 2020.
Thanks to a grant from the Rapha Foundation in 2020, TCA was able to hire paid staff for the first time, filling communications, legal, ethics and programme management positions.
In 2022, TCA entered a new partnership with Strava, further strengthening its ability to support and amplify rider voices. Today, it is still the only independent organisation advocating for women across all levels of professional cycling.
Key Achievements and milestones
The Cyclists’ Alliance Founded
TCA was established to address key issues in women’s professional cycling, including pay disparities, working conditions, and career development. In its early stages, Iris Slappendel, with her 13-year career as a professional cyclist, played a pivotal role in leading the efforts alongside Gracie Elvin and Carmen Small. Together, they dedicated their time and resources to create the most visible and effective rider union in cycling, striving for greater recognition, professionalism, and equity.
Initial Steps Toward Greater Visibility
TCA initiated TCAMP (The Cyclists’ Alliance Mentorship Programme) to assist riders with career transitions both during and after their cycling careers. Additionally, live broadcasting requirements for Women’s WorldTour (WWT) races were introduced, increasing visibility for women’s cycling. Key partnerships were formed with LIV Cycling, SRAM, Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized to support TCA’s mission.
Key Developments in Professionalisation
TCA secured a grant from the Rapha Foundation, enabling further expansion of its services. The UCI introduced a minimum salary for Women’s WorldTeams, marking a significant step toward the professionalisation of the sport.
New Platforms and Support During Crisis
TCA launched the Rider Council and Contract Management Platform, enhancing support for riders. The UCI adopted TCA’s recommendations on ethics cases, and TCA worked to ensure COVID-19 protocols were enforced at races. The year of 2020 also saw the introduction of a new maternity clause in contracts between self-employed riders and Women’s WorldTeams. Additionally, TCA supported riders facing challenges due to Brexit and new work visa requirements.
Services Expansion
TCA launched the Tax Helpdesk in partnership with Baker McKenzie, providing pro-bono services to educate riders on the complexities of taxation rules. The Rider Agent Platform and Approved Agent Quality Standard were introduced. The Mentorship Programme was relaunched with the support of five industry partners. TCA’s recommendations on the UCI Ethics Procedure were adopted.
Growth and Sustainability
In 2022, Gracie Elvin resigned from the board, and TCA celebrated the relaunch of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, following years of advocacy. TCA signed a three-year agreement with Strava, which helped the organisation hire a director to manage daily operations, allowing the board to shift to an advisory role. This marked a major step toward a more sustainable organisational model. The first-ever TCA Leadership Program for riders and staff was launched in cooperation with EAPA (EU Athletes).
Strengthening Partnerships
TCA and Zwift entered a partnership to support the dual careers of athletes, with Zwift committing $15,000 to TCAMP. Additionally, TCA and Strava launched the inaugural TCAMP Pre-Career x Strava Grant, with the aim of helping promising female cyclists at the start of their careers.
Organisational Changes and Growth
In September 2024, Iris Slappendel and Rhian Ravenscroft announced their resignation from the TCA board. The October General Assembly appointed new board members; Grace Brown as Vice President, Christine O’Connell as Vice President, and Helen Woods as Treasurer. TCA continues to evolve, recently announcing a strategy, staying true to its mission of advocating for women’s cycling.