Cycling: Women’s cycling helped by UCI boss, says Chrissie Wellington

August 15, 2024

Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington has praised the influence of cycling boss Brian Cookson on the development of women’s racing.

“The election of Brian Cookson has been really positive for the women’s side of the sport,” Wellington told BBC Sport.

“He prioritized women’s cycling in his manifesto and it appears he is actually walking the talk, which is really promising.”

Wellington has campaigned greatly for improved coverage of women’s cycling, teaming up with world and Olympic road race champion Marianne Vos, double Commonwealth Games silver medallist Emma Pooley and Wiggle Honda rider Kathryn Bertine to set up Le Tour Entier; an organisation dedicated to the growth and progression of women’s cycling.

The group are aiming for a women’s Tour de France, and last month saw the first running of La Course by Le Tour de France; a one-day race held on the streets of Paris on the same day as the final stage of Le Tour, which was seen as progress towards their end goal.

“It was emotional, both for those of us who helped bring it to fruition and the athletes that raced,” said Wellington. ”It was significant in terms of the media coverage it garnered. The amount of coverage was impressive and pleasing.

“This race was so meaningful because of the level of interest it attracted. The spotlight was shone on women’s cycling. It offers a great platform and springboard, not only for [Le Tour organisers] ASO, but for other event organisers.”

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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Cycling: Women’s cycling helped by UCI boss, says Chrissie Wellington

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