The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) has issued a strong statement reaffirming its commitment to rider health, urging the sport to prioritise sustainable, ethical performance over practices that put athletes’ wellbeing at risk. The announcement comes amid recent public discussions on health issues in the peloton, particularly around the scrutiny faced by female riders.
“Rider health and elite performance must go hand in hand,” the statement reads. “The sport today has more than enough scientific knowledge, insight and human experience to create sustainable, ethical performances which do not compromise rider health.”
TCA expressed disappointment at the disproportionate focus on women’s bodies compared to male athletes, calling on stakeholders to “be leaders rather than followers” in changing the culture around weight and body image in cycling.
Practical proposals and calls to the UCI
The Alliance highlighted work already undertaken to introduce structured health checks. In autumn 2024, it developed a screening protocol for riders and submitted a proposal to the UCI to update its mandatory medical examinations for Women’s WorldTeams. The recommendations included mandatory annual screening for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) and bone mineral density.
While the UCI has yet to adopt the measures, TCA is encouraging them to reconsider, noting that other sports, such as the International Federation of Sport Climbing, have already implemented similar REDS screening policies. “We believe it is more than worth the effort to introduce some form of protocol for both female and male cyclists racing professionally under the UCI,” the statement said.
Photo Credit: Cor VosOngoing work on nutrition and energy availability
In April 2025, TCA formed a working group of riders and experts to focus on nutrition, energy availability, and REDS. That group most recently met on 6th August to continue discussions and develop strategies. Later this year, the organisation will launch an education and awareness campaign on rider health, with resources aimed not only at athletes but also at team staff and other stakeholders.
President Grace Brown said the initiatives are aimed at building a healthier, more sustainable future for the women’s peloton. “The current system is not set up to protect female health, so I believe it’s our duty to continue educating and advocating for better standards that allow women to perform with well-fuelled, strong, and happy bodies.”
With rider wellbeing now firmly on the agenda, The Cyclists’ Alliance is positioning itself as a driving force for change, pushing for both cultural shifts and concrete measures to safeguard athletes’ long-term health.
