September 2nd, 2025 – The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) today released its eighth annual rider survey, revealing that while contract security has improved for top-tier riders, a widening pay gap persists; with 84% of Continental riders earning under €20,000 annually.
Read The Full Survey Report here
The survey is one of the most comprehensive reports on the current state of women’s cycling. It represents responses from 202 riders from 43 teams, across seven disciplines.
TCA is a rider-first, member-driven, and independent voice in women’s cycling and our work is directed by the results of the survey. Our aim is to make the professional pathway not only viable but inspiring for current athletes and future generations alike.
The last decade has seen women’s professional cycling progress rapidly. This year’s survey results show that the sport is at a critical point. There are many signs of progress and professionalisation at the top, but the talent pathway below continues to face challenges and the gaps are widening.
The poor working conditions and financial instability facing riders at the beginning of their career forces many out of the sport. We risk losing talent before it can come through the pipeline and contribute to the growth of the sport. Lack of visibility through consistent and accessible broadcast further compounds this problem, holding back both commercial growth and fan engagement. Without sustained investment in visibility, the sport cannot reach its full potential or offer riders long-term career sustainability.
Even for those riders with financial stability, unsafe working conditions is a continual concern and reason to consider early retirement. Riders have a right to safe, fair conditions; the future of the sport depends on it.
Key Survey Findings 2025:
Positive signs of continued professionalisation of the sport:
- Contract and salary security: Over 75% of World Tour and Pro riders now hold multi-year contracts.
- Making a living from cycling: 54% of riders can live solely off their income from racing. Only 19% of riders surveyed need a second job in 2025.
- Professional advice and support: In 2025, 39% of riders sought legal assistance before signing a contract, and 47% work with an agent.
Concerning signs of a troubled talent pathway:
- Pay disparity: 84% of Continental riders earn under €20,000 annually; 42% of Continental riders have a second job while also trying to race competitively full time.
- Financial insecurity: Over half of newer professionals (1-2 years professional experience) consider quitting due to financial concerns.
- Safety concerns: Dangerous race conditions remain the leading reason World Tour riders leave the sport prematurely
Unsafe and unfair working conditions
Riders continue to report unsafe and unfair working conditions.
- 14% report neglected athlete well-being,
- 12% face unfair selection practices
- 7% feel pressure to race while injured or unwell.
- Riders also report abuse of authority, bullying, and verbal abuse.
Why female riders leave the sport early
Poor working conditions lead to athletes ending their careers prematurely. Each level of the women’s professional peloton cites different reasons for considering leaving professional cycling earlier than planned:
- Women’s World Tour riders point to dangerous racing conditions;
- Pro Team riders mention mental health and burnout; and
- Continental riders emphasise financial instability.
Riders’ top three advocacy priorities in 2025
Riders’ top three advocacy priorities in 2025, as voted for by 202 responses, are:
- Better race safety
- Minimum salary requirements, and
- Increased race broadcasting to reach more fans.
TCA today reiterates its commitment to these issues
- Safety is a non-negotiableSafety is a perennial issue for all riders; it transcends disciplines and levels. Riders deserve to be heard more in the conversations about safety in the sport. Whether it’s safety at races, or safety in teams, TCA calls on all stakeholders in the sport to include the rider’s voice and to work better together to ensure that riders can turn up to race without fearing for their lives. We also recognise that riders share responsibility for safety, and we call on all riders to play their part by riding considerately and safely within the peloton.
- Financial security for riders outside World Tour and Pro is key to building a strong and stable sportThe future of the sport depends on the sustainability of the early stages of a career in it. While we understand financial resources are often limited, we believe that when riders are expected to reach a professional level, the same high standards should apply to the employer.
TCA reiterates its previous call to the UCI to improve working conditions within Continental teams, including:
- Better monitoring and enforcement of compliance with existing UCI regulations by teams;
- The creation and implementation of minimum financial standards for any prospective or current teams;
- The creation and implementation of minimum professional standards for any team organisation; and
- Standardisation of rider employment classification.
- More broadcast time is key to grow the fan base and maximise the commercial potential of the sport
Women’s professional cycling needs to be visible and accessible if we want the fan base and the commercial potential to grow. (See Zwift impact report, 2023 and 2025.)
TCA will continue to advocate for increased time and better access to broadcasting for women’s cycling, as well as sharing practical information for fans on how to watch.
What can you do to support women’s professional cycling?
- Share this report with your friends and colleagues.
- If you are a rider, join TCA and encourage your peers to join!
- If you are a fan or team staff, join TCA as a supporter.
- If you are a stakeholder in women’s professional cycling and you want to discuss how to make positive changes in your organisation for the benefit of the sport, get in touch with us today.
The future of women’s professional cycling is in our hands.
Let’s work together to make it better.
Media Contact: Leah Kirchmann, communications@cyclistsalliance.org
About The Cyclists’ Alliance
The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) is the independent voice of women’s professional cycling. Founded and led by former and current professional riders, TCA exists to represent female professional cyclists, and to support them at every stage of their careers. TCA stands for fairness, empowerment, and transparency. Driven by a shared commitment to “strive for fairness”, we advocate for equal opportunities, better working conditions, and a future where every rider can thrive and earn a sustainable living in the sport.
