Cyclists' Alliance Calls for Better Women's Race Coverage
A new industry report highlights demands for increased broadcast visibility and better financial stability for professional riders.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cycling
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Should major women's sporting events be required to provide full live television coverage?
The Cyclists' Alliance has published its ninth annual rider survey, revealing that 49% of professional women cyclists seek greater broadcast visibility for their races. The report underscores a significant push for full live television coverage across the sport.
Why it matters
Professional riders are leveraging survey data to pressure organizers for more exposure and better contract terms to professionalize the sport. This movement seeks to bridge the broadcast gap and address the financial precarity currently facing many lower-tier cyclists.
The survey of 127 riders found that 75% of Continental-level respondents receive no salary from their teams, with 79% operating on one-year contracts. Only three of the nine stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes received full live broadcast coverage.
The players
The Cyclists' Alliance
This international union advocates for the professional interests and safety of women cyclists.
Santos Tour Down Under
This annual multi-stage cycling race is a major event on the international calendar.
The details
The 43-page report highlights the disparity between elite WorldTour riders and Continental-level athletes regarding both media exposure and economic security. While major races like the Santos Tour Down Under have pledged full live coverage for 2027, the alliance continues to advocate for consistent industry-wide broadcast standards.
Timeline
The Cyclists' Alliance published its ninth annual report on October 30, 2026.
Three stages of the Tour de France Femmes featured full broadcasts in August 2026.
The Santos Tour Down Under is scheduled to provide full live coverage in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The report highlights the struggle of Continental riders who currently lack the protections provided by the UCI Women's WorldTour minimum salary regulations. This data signals a broader push to standardize contract stability across all tiers of professional racing.
Fans can expect a shift in broadcast availability as organizations move to align with the demands for full-stage coverage. The lack of salary for 75% of Continental riders suggests that roster turnover will remain high due to the prevalence of one-year contracts.
The takeaway
The push for full-stage broadcasting aims to elevate the profile of women's cycling to match the visibility of men's events. Riders are increasingly using centralized reporting to demand equitable treatment and sustainable career paths from race organizers and teams.
What happens next
The Santos Tour Down Under will feature full live coverage for its women's race in 2027.
Further reading
Find more analysis on professional racing in our Cycling section.
Live Poll
Should major women's sporting events be required to provide full live television coverage?
