In just 18 months, The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) has become the de facto representatives for women in professional cycling, and it aims to establish itself more formally as the union that oversees women's cycling in the future. Cyclingnews spoke with the association's co-founder Iris Slappendel about the TCA's goals for expansion, intent to become recognised by the UCI and search for more funding to support critical initiatives that directly benefit the women in the sport.
"It's a goal of ours to be recognised by the UCI as the official union for the women in cycling," Slappendel told Cyclingnews. "We're aiming to have a seat at the Pro Cycling Council and at the Road Commission and Women's Commission, to have a designated seat on these Commissions."
Slappendel, Carmen Small and Gracie Elvin make up the executive board, and they co-founded The Cyclists' Alliance and at the end of 2017. Its stated goal is to represent the competitive, economic, and personal interests of all professional women cyclists. That includes improving career opportunities, advocating for fairness and equality, resolving disputes, and to support and elevate the popularity of the sport.
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The association also relies on the work of its advisory board that includes Brendan Schwab (Executive Director, Uni World Players Association. Labour & human rights lawyer), EU Athletes (Athletes Right advisors), Marianne Vos (UCI Athletes Commission Women's Road representative), Joe Harris (business consultant), Kristen Worley (Gender rights advisor), Marnix van Ark (Legal advisor employment right, Staywise), Eric Vile (Legal advisor) and Roos Hoogeboom (Membership and treasurer).
Slappendel provided Cyclingnews with a copy of its 18-month report that highlighted the TCA's achievements, what it is currently working on and its future goals.
There are officially 120 riders signed up as members, but the TCA supports upwards of 150. The association has mediated 12 cases between riders and teams, 10 riders with contact advice, eight riders with release forms and supported one arbitration. It has also advised the UCI on many critical areas of the new Women's WorldTour reforms such as upgraded standard contracts that include minimum salary, insurances and maternity leave, along with advice regarding recent updates to the Code of Ethics. It has also been involved in discussions with the Women's WorldTour working group and Road Commission.
Recognition
Funding
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/the-cyclists-alliance-the-de-facto-union-for-womens-cycling
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