"Women's Riders' Union Advocates for Improved Women's Health Protections Following Discussion on Health Concerns at Tour de France Femmes"
The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) has launched an autumn campaign to promote health and wellbeing in professional cycling, with a particular focus on addressing the issue of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
RED-S, a risk for pro riders, can occur with or without disordered eating or intentional underfueling. It is caused by the under-consumption of calories combined with frequent intense exercise, resulting in an energy deficiency in the body.
The TCA, which represents the interests of female cyclists, is advocating for mandatory yearly RED-S screenings and bone mineral density testing for professional female cyclists, particularly those in the Women's WorldTour. This proposal aims to protect rider health and wellbeing, which TCA considers vital for career longevity.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has yet to adopt these measures officially. However, the TCA has offered its support and expertise in implementing appropriate protocols for both female and male cyclists. The Alliance believes that it is worth the effort to introduce some form of protocol to address RED-S in professional cycling.
TCA President Grace Brown emphasized the importance of rider health and wellbeing for career longevity and highlighted that current systems are inadequate to protect female cyclists' health, especially from RED-S. The TCA also called for equal treatment of female athletes, criticizing the disproportionate scrutiny of women's bodies compared to men.
The ongoing discussion about RED-S in cycling has heightened in visibility following the 2025 Tour de France Femmes. Issues of RED-S and rider health were brought to the forefront during the event, with media coverage about the weight loss of winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
Cadzow, a fellow rider, spoke out about the prevalence of eating disorders in cycling. Cérdrine Kerbaol expressed concern about the state of cycling and issues of low weight. Both Cadzow and Kerbaol believe that cycling is in a dangerous moment when it comes to health and wellbeing issues.
On the other hand, Demi Vollering, who finished second in the Tour de France Femmes, stated that she prioritizes her health in her career decisions. Vollering's stance underscores the importance of a balanced approach to athletic performance and health in professional cycling.
In summary:
| Stakeholder | Position on Mandatory RED-S Screening | Additional Notes | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) | Strong advocate for mandatory yearly RED-S and bone density screening; submitted proposals; ongoing educational campaigns | Criticizes current system; emphasizes health, sustainability, and career longevity | | Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) | Has not yet adopted the mandatory screening but is urged to reconsider | TCA offers support to assist with appropriate implementation |
The TCA is committed to making professional cycling a sustainable and fulfilling career for women, with a focus on health, wellbeing, and equal treatment for all athletes.
- The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) is dedicated to ensuring that professional cycling becomes a sustainable and rewarding career for all, with a significant emphasis on the health and wellbeing of female athletes, particularly in regard to mental health, women's health, and sports-related conditions like Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
- In line with their commitment to promoting science and health-and-wellness, the TCA has launched initiatives to address RED-S, advocating for mandatory yearly RED-S screenings and bone mineral density testing for female cyclists, aiming to secure long-term health, wellbeing, and career longevity for all athletes, both male and female.
