History of Women's Cycling

Women's cycling has experienced a fascinating but also challenging history. From the first courageous pioneers at the end of the 19th century to the establishment of professional structures in the 21st century, it has been a long journey full of social resistance, sporting triumphs, and continuous progress.

The Beginnings: 1880s to 1920s

Social Barriers and First Breakthroughs

When the bicycle became popular in the 1880s, cycling for women was socially controversial. It was considered improper and harmful to health. Nevertheless, courageous women conquered their freedom on two wheels.

Important Pioneers:

• Annie Londonderry (1870-1947): Proved in 1895 that women could handle long distances
• Tessie Reynolds: Rode 120 miles in record time in 1893 wearing bloomers instead of skirts - a scandal
• Hélène Dutrieu: Belgian cyclist and first professional female athlete

The "Bloomers Scandal" and Fashion Revolution

Practical cycling clothing for women became a symbol of emancipation. Bloomers instead of long skirts were not only functional but also a political statement.

The Dark Decades: 1930s to 1970s

Bans and Setbacks

After a promising start, women's cycling experienced massive setbacks:

The Rebirth: 1970s

The women's movement of the 1970s also brought progress in cycling:

1. 1972: First official women's road racing world championship in Gap, France
2. 1975: Founding of the Feminal Cycling Club in the Netherlands
3. 1976: Women participate in the Tour de France (Grande Boucle Féminine)
4. 1984: Women's road racing becomes an Olympic discipline in Los Angeles

Professionalization: 1980s to 1990s

Establishment of First Race Series

The 1980s brought structured competitions:

• 1984-2009: Grande Boucle Féminine (Women's Tour de France)
• 1988: Giro d'Italia Femminile first held
• 1990s: First professional women's teams emerge

Legendary Riders of This Era:

• Jeannie Longo (France): 13-time world champion, Olympic champion
• Yvonne McGregor (GB): Hour world record 1995
• Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel (Netherlands): 4-time Olympic champion

Challenges of Professionalization

The Modern Era: 2000 to Today

Renaissance Since 2010

From 2010 onwards, women's cycling gained massive momentum:

2010-2015: Foundation

• Social media enables direct fan contact
• Athletes become activists for equality
• First live broadcasts of women's classics

2016-2020: The Breakthrough

• UCI introduces WorldTour for women (2016)
• Minimum salaries are established
• More TV presence and media coverage

2021-2025: The Revolution

• 2022: Tour de France Femmes returns after 33 years
• 2023: Paris-Roubaix Femmes establishes itself as a highlight
• 2025: Prize money equalization at many races

Current Superstars

The modern generation is reshaping the sport:

1. Annemiek van Vleuten: World champion, Olympic champion, dominant force 2019-2023
2. Marianne Vos: All-rounder with successes on road, track, and cyclocross
3. Anna van der Breggen: Olympic champion and multiple world champion
4. Elisa Longo Borghini: Italian classics specialist
5. Demi Vollering: Rising star of the new generation

Important Races and Their History

The Grand Tours for Women

The Classics

• Strade Bianche Donne (since 2015): Spectacular gravel race in Tuscany
• Paris-Roubaix Femmes (since 2021): Over the legendary cobblestone sectors
• Tour of Flanders Women (since 2004): Hellingen and cobblestones in Flanders
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes (since 2017): The oldest monument now also for women

The Fight for Equality

Prize Money Development

Media Attention

TV coverage has improved dramatically:

• 2015: Less than 20% of women's WorldTour races live on TV
• 2020: 60% of races with live coverage
• 2025: Nearly all WorldTour races broadcast live

Structural Progress

UCI WorldTour System

Since 2016, there has been the UCI Women's WorldTour with:

• Guaranteed minimum salaries for riders
• Professional team standards
• Licensing system for teams
• Points system analogous to men's cycling

Team Development

Evolution of Team Structures:

1. Early 2000s: Amateur teams with hobby budgets
2. 2010-2015: Semi-professional teams emerge
3. 2016-2020: First fully professional teams with annual budgets over €1 million
4. 2021-2025: Top teams with €3-5 million budgets

Olympic Successes

At the Olympic Games, women have shown impressive performances since 1984:

Olympic Disciplines for Women:

• Road racing (since 1984)
• Individual time trial (since 1996)
• Track cycling (since 1988, expanded 2012)
• Mountain bike (since 1996)
• BMX Racing (since 2008)
• BMX Freestyle (since 2020)

Challenges and Future

Remaining Inequalities (as of 2025)

Checklist: Issues in Women's Cycling

• Live TV coverage (largely achieved)
• WorldTour system (established since 2016)
• Prize money parity (still 30-50% difference at many races)
• Salaries (average about 40% of men's salaries)
• Race distances (often still artificially shortened)
• Team budgets (significantly lower than men's teams)
• Media coverage (greatly improved)
• Sponsor engagement (growing, but expandable)

Positive Trends

Growth Factors:

1. Social Media: Athletes build direct connection with fans
2. Young Target Group: Gen Z is strongly interested in women's sports
3. Sponsor Interest: Brands recognize the marketing value
4. Role Models: Successful athletes inspire the next generation

Comparison to General Cycling History

The history of women's cycling is inextricably linked to general development. While men could race continuously, women had to fight for every race.

International Perspective

Regional Differences

Significance for Society

Women's cycling is more than sport - it is a mirror of social developments:

Symbolic Significance:

• Emancipation: The bicycle as a tool of freedom
• Equality: Fight for fair conditions in sport as a proxy debate
• Role Model Function: Athletes as role models for young girls
• Health: Promotion of active lifestyles for women

Outlook: The Next Years

Vision 2030

Realistic Goals for 2030:

1. Prize money parity at all WorldTour races
2. Average salaries at least 70% of men's salaries
3. All Grand Tours with 15+ stages
4. 40+ WorldTour races per season
5. Global expansion with races in Asia, Africa, Oceania

Role of UCI and Associations

The UCI has committed to further promoting women's cycling:

• Mandatory live streaming of all WorldTour races
• Stricter financial requirements for teams
• Promotion of youth development
• Equality at world championships

Conclusion

The history of women's cycling is a story of resistance, perseverance, and triumph. From the bans of the 1950s to the Tour de France Femmes 2022, athletes, activists, and supporters have come a long way.

Key Insights:

• Women's cycling has a 130+ year history with many setbacks
• The last 10 years brought more progress than the 100 years before
• Structural equality is in sight but not yet achieved
• The next generation benefits from better conditions than ever before
• Media attention is the key to further improvements

Women's cycling stands better today than ever before - but the fight for full equality continues.