"Cycling's crisis deepens: The Cyclists' Alliance 2025 survey highlights a growing disparity among women's cycling divisions"

Professional Cycling Faces Challenges Below Top Tiers, Survey Finds

A new report by the Cyclists' Alliance, an organisation that conducts an annual survey in professional cycling, has highlighted concerns about the financial stability and working conditions in the sport, particularly for riders outside the top two tiers.

The survey found that 80% of riders outside the top two tiers (UCI WorldTeams and ProTeams) earn less than €20,000, a significant increase from 64% in 2024. This widening gap is a cause for concern, as the report states that the sport is at a critical point, with signs of progress and professionalization at the top, but challenges and increasing gaps in the talent pathway below.

Safety is the biggest overall advocacy concern for riders, and is also the number one reason for leaving the sport early for those in the Women's WorldTour. Financial considerations are a close second, with many riders citing financial instability as a reason for leaving the sport early. In fact, 50% of newer professionals would consider quitting due to financial instability.

The majority of riders earning less than €20,000 were from Continental teams, as minimum salaries are in place for 363 Pro and Women's WorldTour riders. Among Continental riders, 17% of riders received no salary at all. The teams that reported lower salaries included Canyon-SRAM and Uno-X Pro Cycling.

Neglected wellbeing, unfair selection practices, and pressure to race against medical advice are other concerns regarding safe and fair working conditions. Abuse of authority is also a concern, mentioned by 7% of respondents. Establishing minimum salaries and expense coverage are top advocacy issues for riders not covered by mandatory minimums.

Consistent and accessible broadcasts are a high priority for riders, as they believe that increased visibility can help to address the financial disparities in the sport. The report found that the eighth year of the survey showed that salaries in the sport have stabilized overall, but riders not covered by the mandatory minimum salaries of Women's WorldTeams and ProTeams are falling behind.

The survey included responses from 202 female professional cyclists from across 43 cycling teams. The poor working conditions and financial instability facing riders at the beginning of their career are forcing many out of the sport, risking the loss of talent before it can contribute to the growth of the sport. The report concludes that urgent action is needed to address these issues and ensure a sustainable future for professional cycling.