The Cyclist Alliance (TCA), the de facto union of women's cycling, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Rapha Foundation. The association said it will use the funds to implement a new seven-point plan to revolutionize the compensation and culture of professional women's cycling.

"Cycling is one of the toughest sports in the world, but before we think about the finish line, even the most talented and determined riders in the world must focus only on getting to the start line safely," Iris Slappendel, founder of the TCA, said in a press In an announcement, she said. [Low wages, daily abuse, and sexual discrimination all hinder progress in our sport. But through our new strategy and the support of the Rapha Foundation, we can make a real difference to the sport as a whole for our members."

The Rapha Foundation was created to build a better future for the sport of cycling by inspiring, empowering, and supporting the next generation of racers, according to its website.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they align with the Rapha Foundation's mission and vision, and that they are broadly committed to the development of cycling in their work.

The Rapha Foundation announced on Thursday the four recipients of grants totaling $750,000, including the Rayner Foundation, Helen100, and the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust.

Former pros Iris Slappendel and Carmen Small and current pro racer Gracie Elvin (Mitchelton Scott) announced the formation of the TCA at the end of 2017. The new women's cycling association was initially looking to offer contracting, educational assistance, career advice, and legal and retirement support.

In just 18 months, the association has expanded to offer services to improve career opportunities, advocate for fairness and equality, resolve disputes, and support and enhance the sport's popularity.

The Association currently supports over 120 members and approximately 150 competitive cyclists, some of whom are not official members.

According to a TCA membership survey conducted in 2019, 61 percent of female cyclists have an annual income of less than 15,000 euros, 84 percent of riders sign contracts without legal assistance, and 51 percent pay for mechanical assistance, medical tests, travel to races and 51 percent had to reimburse their own teams for standard services such as mechanical assistance, medical tests, and travel expenses to races.

This year, the UCI introduced new rules requiring that top-class women's world teams pay their riders a minimum salary of €15,000 (employed) or €24,600 (self-employed), along with benefits such as social insurance and maternity leave. However, there are only eight teams in this top tier. There are an additional 43 Continental second-level teams that are not obligated to pay their riders.

TCA offers free legal advice and dispute resolution, contract soundness checks and negotiation advice, a dedicated ethics officer, education on athlete rights, and a private electronic social platform for instant communication on topics and important issues, other support services, such as financial planning and post-career guidance, mentorship programs, and insurance incentives, are set up. In addition, TCA's casework regularly addresses routine abuse and sexual harassment.

The TCA relies solely on donations and member subscriptions; in fact, its annual budget is surprisingly small at €7,631, according to an 18-month report published last year. However, annual expenses amounted to only 1,196 euros, with the remaining 6,435 euros set aside as personal funds to cover unexpected legal fees, travel, and lodging expenses.

Multiple world champion Marianne Vos, who currently races in the CCC-Liv, is a member of the TCA Riders Council. She believes the association is improving and elevating women's professional cycling.

"Women's cycling needs a cyclist federation to support riders and take the sport to a higher level," Vos said. "My dream is to make cycling more accessible to women and create better opportunities for aspiring athletes. I want to take the best from both the male and female cycling community and create a platform where the dreams of all aspiring cyclists can start."

TCA announced that its goal is to provide a 100 percent safe and stable working environment.

In its announcement, TCA said it aims to provide a safe and stable working environment for 100 percent of professional women cyclists and will leverage Rapha Foundation funding to provide holistic support during and after their careers.

"Rapha is committed to promoting and making cycling more accessible to women, and we are pleased to support the Cyclist Alliance and their great work," said Simon Mottram, Rapha's chief executive.

"Women's cycling is growing, but racers face more hurdles than male riders, and by working with The Cyclists' Alliance, we hope we can help improve the situation for women cyclists in the future."

TCA will use the funds toward a seven-point plan intended to advocate to national and international cycling governing bodies to implement the following minimum standards.