"The state of women's cycling is in a precarious situation" - The 2025 survey by The Cyclists' Alliance indicates widening discrepancy among women's cycling divisions

In the world of professional cycling, a new report has shed light on the challenges faced by many female riders. The Cyclists' Alliance, an organization dedicated to representing professional cyclists, published the results of their eighth annual rider survey on their website.

The report paints a complex picture of the sport, with signs of progress and professionalization at the top, but challenges and widening gaps in the talent pathway below.

Financial stability is a significant concern for many riders. The minimum salaries for ProTeam professionals start at €16,720, while for others they begin at €20,000. In a Women's WorldTour team, the minimum is €31,768 for new professionals and €38,000 for others. However, more than a third of the riders who took the survey earned less than €20,000, with the vast majority of these riders being from Continental teams. Among Continental riders, 17% of riders received no salary at all.

Financial considerations are the number one reason for leaving the sport early, according to a majority of newer professionals. Financial instability is also a reason why 50% of newer professionals would consider quitting. Riders not covered by the mandatory minimum salaries of the Women's WorldTeams and ProTeams are falling behind.

Riders not covered by these mandatory minimum salaries have prioritized establishing minimum salaries as a top advocacy issue. The survey found that 80% of riders outside the two top tiers earned less than €20,000, compared with 64% in 2024, indicating a widening gap.

The report also highlights the poor working conditions and financial instability facing riders at the beginning of their career. These challenges are forcing many out of the sport, risking the loss of talent before it can contribute to the growth of the sport.

Safety is another major concern for riders. Across all tiers, 58% of riders received an income of more than €20,000, with 11% earning more than €100,000. Despite this, safety remains the biggest overall advocacy concern for riders, and is also the number one reason that those in the Women's WorldTour cite for leaving the sport early. Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) stated that road safety needs to be a non-negotiable priority at every race.

Neglected wellbeing, unfair selection practices, and pressure to race against medical advice are the most often mentioned concerns regarding safe and fair working conditions. Consistent and accessible broadcasts are a high priority for riders as well.

The survey results underscore the need for continued efforts to address these issues and ensure a sustainable and fair future for female cyclists at all levels of the sport.

"The state of women's cycling is in a precarious situation" - The 2025 survey by The Cyclists' Alliance indicates widening discrepancy among women's cycling divisions