The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) is pleased to announce that Zwift has come on board as a partner for 2023 and beyond, providing support for developing the TCAMP pre-career programme. The aim of the programme is to create a more transparent and accessible pathway into the women’s professional peloton so that anyone from all backgrounds who wants to become a professional cyclist has the same opportunity to do so.
Through the partnership with Zwift, TCA will be able to fund the development of the TCAMP pre-career programme. The TCA aims to launch the program in 2024.
Zwift are passionate about breaking the barriers to fitness and technology to positively impact the health and wellness of both local and global communities. As a result, they are committed to partnering with non-profit organisations in local communities to make an impact. Alongside community support, Zwift has been working hard to put women’s racing on an equal footing with men’s for some time with initiatives including the recent UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and the Zwift Academy as well as headlining sponsorship of some of the biggest races in the women’s’ calendar, for example the Tour de France Femme avec Zwift.
Roos Hoogeboom, TCAMP manager commented on the partnership:
We are immensely grateful for the partnership with Zwift, which enables us to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in women’s cycling. Together, we will be providing aspiring female cyclists with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and create a smoother path to enter the pro ranks. Through our joint efforts, we are committed to creating equal opportunities for all young aspiring cyclists, regardless of their background, and have a positive impact.
About Zwift:
Zwift is the fitness company born from gaming. We’re dedicated fitness enthusiasts, experienced video game developers, and disruptive thinkers. Play is in our DNA, and we know fun fuels results.
From friendly races to social rides and structured training programs, Zwift unites a diverse community in pursuit of a more fun, immersive, and social fitness experience.
About TCA:
Since its inception in 2017, the TCA was driven by two core ambitions; firstly, that 100% of UCI-riders have safe and stable working conditions by 2024 by ensuring the human rights and labour rights of athletes are protected. Secondly, it aimed to ensure that 100% of riders feel their achievements are sufficiently visible through greater representation and consideration from the media and furthermore, that media coverage accurately reflects the extent of high-level and exciting racing taking place in women’s cycling.
Now in its 7th year, the TCA has successfully lobbied for change in women's cycling including:
- Athlete representation with the elected rider council led by Ellen van Dijk.
- Membership growth, representing 200+ members, from 32 different countries, across all cycling disciplines and all continents.
- Significant increase in the use of TCA’s Legal and Ethics department.
- Extended membership benefits and educational opportunities
- TCAMP Program, which provides during and after-career support supporting riders with skills both on and off the bike.