"The existing structure fails to safeguard women's health," echoes Cyclists Alliance, advocating once more for mandatory REDS testing.
The Cyclists Alliance, a group committed to encouraging positive change in the peloton, has renewed its call for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to implement mandatory Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) and bone mineral density screening for Women's WorldTour teams.
The push for these screenings came after the Tour de France Femmes, which highlighted issues surrounding REDS, disrupted menstrual cycles, weight, and performance. The Cyclists Alliance first made this suggestion in 2024, and since then, they have put together a screening protocol for REDS.
Despite the proposal, the UCI has yet to adopt these measures. However, the UCI is currently engaged in discussions with medical experts on the topic, and an official announcement is expected in due course.
The Cyclists Alliance continues to advocate for the adoption of these screenings, emphasizing the importance of protecting rider health. They point to examples from other sports, such as the International Federation of Sport Climbing, which has already implemented similar policies.
In addition to its advocacy efforts, the Cyclists Alliance formed a working group in April 2025 to focus on issues related to nutrition, energy availability, and REDS. The group aims to push for sustainable and ethical performance practices that prioritize athlete well-being.
For autumn 2025, the Alliance plans to launch an education and awareness campaign on rider health, further emphasizing its commitment to improving health standards in professional cycling.
Grace Brown, President of the Cyclists' Alliance, stated that the organization is working towards making professional cycling a sustainable and fulfilling career for women. She emphasized the importance of rider health and wellbeing for career longevity.
The organization is disappointed that women in sport receive more scrutiny about their bodies compared to male counterparts. They believe that the current system is not set up to protect female health, leading them to continue advocating for better standards.
The Cyclists Alliance has invited the UCI to reconsider its 2024 proposal, offering support and expertise for the implementation of REDS screening and bone mineral density testing. They hope that these measures will lead to a healthier, more sustainable future for women in cycling.
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- The Cyclists' Alliance, with a focus on health-and-wellness and mental-health, urges the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to implement Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) and bone mineral density screening for Women's WorldTour teams, emphasizing the potential benefits for women's health in road cycling.
- Acknowledging the positive impact of science and evidence-based practices on athlete well-being, the Cyclists' Alliance also seeks to raise awareness about women's health issues and promote sustainable, ethical performance practices through education and advocacy, as part of their commitment to improving health standards in professional cycling.
