“Dejadme contaros lo que pienso sobre el ciclismo. Ha hecho más por la emancipación de la mujer que otra cosa en el mundo. El ciclismo aporta a la mujer un sentimiento de libertad, de confianza en sí misma. Apoyo y me emociono cada vez que veo a una mujer pedaleando sobre dos ruedas... Veo la imagen de la feminidad libre e ilimitada”.
Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in the fight for human rights and a fierce advocate for women’s suffrage, delivered a speech in 1895 that has become part of cycling history—a quote that continues to resonate across generations. Back then, the very idea of women participating in sport, let alone competing, was almost unthinkable.
The brave women who challenged stereotypes and pedalled their way toward equality (some of whom we’ll be talking about shortly) paved the way for generations to come. Sadly, that path is still being walked today. And yes, it’s unfortunate—because in 2023, equality should already be a lived reality. We shouldn’t have to talk about it—we should simply be living it in every aspect of life. But the truth is, we’re not there yet.
“En una manifestación en bicicleta a favor de los derechos de las mujeres nos tiraron piedras y tuvo que ser cancelada. Desde nuestra organización de ciclistas mujeres intentamos romper con lo establecido, que es que llegadas a una edad adolescente tenemos que empezar a dedicarnos a las labores del hogar, a coser y a cuidar de nuestros maridos, siendo una aberración que practiquemos deporte o nos divirtamos”.
Reading these words, you might think they come from a historic quote, like the one that opened this article. But no—these are words from today, from this very year. Shocking, isn’t it? Yet this is the reality for Zulekha Dawood, a photographer and social activist, and the group of women cyclists she rides with in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. A place where women are still heavily oppressed and denied that most basic of rights: freedom.
This shows clearly that the path to equality is still long and uneven. Not all cultures are at the same point when it comes to women's rights and equal opportunities. We must be aware of this and do our part—standing up for equality in every situation we find ourselves in. As we’ve seen, cycling plays a vital role in this journey. Bicycles have long been—and still are—a powerful symbol of freedom and a tool in the fight for women’s rights and true equality.
Grupo de mujeres en bicicleta en Karachi, Pakistán. Fuente: wjct.org
Below we present 10 women who have been exemplary on a bicycle throughout history. Selecting just ten feels somewhat unfair, as there are many more who deserve recognition, but may these ten stories highlight a cause championed by countless brave women.
“Cycle around the world? I accept—let’s go.” That’s more or less what Annie must have said in 1894 when two Boston businessmen challenged her to do just that—for a reward of $10,000.
On June 25, 1895, Annie Londonderry set off from Massachusetts, and 15 months later, she triumphantly completed her journey in New York City.
At a time when women weren’t even expected to ride a bike down their own street, Annie took it upon herself to pedal around the world. Simply incredible.
Fuente: nationalgeographic.com
A Swedish-born cyclist who built her career in the United States, she knew from a young age that bicycles were her true passion. So much so that, as a teenager, she worked as a seamstress and saved up to buy her very first bike.
At just 18, she began racing—and quickly dominated the sport, winning almost every event she entered and setting records never seen before.
Only two years later, at the age of 20, she was already recognised as the best cyclist in the world. It was at this moment that Susan B. Anthony—pioneer in the fight for human rights and women’s suffrage—delivered the now-legendary speech that has become a piece of cycling history and opened this very article.
Fuente: mujericolas.blogspot.com
Race car driver, circus and theatre acrobat, nurse, wartime ambulance driver, and the second woman in history to become a pilot—yes, Helena Dutrieu was all of that, in addition to being a cycling champion.
She truly excelled in sprint events, holding the hour record in 1895 and winning the track cycling world championship just two years later. Her incredible speed earned her the nickname “The Human Arrow”.
Helena’s life was a series of bold pursuits, each one a new challenge, and she constantly pushed the limits of what was thought to be possible.
Fuente: excelenciasdelmotor.com
We absolutely love Alfonsina’s story. She was the first woman to take part in the Giro d’Italia, riding alongside men in 1924—but getting there was no easy feat.
Back in 1917, she competed in the Giro di Lombardia as the only woman in the race. This didn’t sit well with cycling event organisers, who soon banned women from competing in their races. But nothing was impossible for Strada. Fighting for women’s rights was in her DNA. With the help of a few Giro sponsors, she secretly registered under a male pseudonym: “Alfonsín.”
Unsurprisingly, she was discovered during the first stage and disqualified. But she refused to quit and rode on to the finish line, defying the odds in stunning fashion. That finish line wasn’t just the end of a stage—it symbolised a major milestone in the ongoing race for gender equality in sport.
Fuente: es.wikipedia.org
If Alfonsina's arrival at the finish line had been a very important step, in 1967 another great step was taken, this time in the form of a victory. Britain's Beryl Burton won an endurance race in which men competed.
She stood out for her character, perseverance and dedication, ingredients that made her the best cyclist in the world for a quarter of a century.
Fuente: alamy.es
Winning the “Grande Boucle” and celebrating on the Champs-Élysées is, for those lucky enough to experience it, one of the most unforgettable moments in a cyclist’s life. In 1984, Marianne Martin had that honour, becoming the first woman to win the women’s Tour de France.
She was a shining example of perseverance and resilience. Despite suffering from a serious back injury and frequent bouts of anaemia, she refused to give up on her dream. Through recovery, dedication, and tireless training, she overcame the odds and raised her arms in victory in Paris.
Fuente: laruedasuelta.com
For many, Jeannie Longo is considered the greatest female cyclist of all time and with good reason. Her staggering list of achievements includes 12 world titles, 4 Olympic medals, and nearly 40 medals across World and National Championships. She also excelled as a skier, showcasing her extraordinary athletic talent across disciplines.
Her greatest rival was often herself, constantly pushing to break the records she had already set. Remarkably, she continued competing until the age of 53.
Unfortunately, her legacy has been somewhat tarnished by doping controversies that surfaced later in her career—an issue that, for some, has cast a shadow over an otherwise legendary journey.
Fuente: welovecycling.com
A story of triumph and resilience that many will surely remember—Joane Somarriba is widely regarded as the greatest Spanish female cyclist of all time.
After being crowned Spanish champion in 1986, a herniated disc left her temporarily paralysed and brought her career to a sudden halt. Doctors told her she would never ride a bike again. But Joane proved them wrong. With courage, dedication, and a long recovery process, she returned to competition—and not just to participate, but to win. She reclaimed her national title and went on to claim multiple stage victories in the Giro Donne.
The pinnacle of her career came in 1999 and 2000, when Joane stood on the top step of the podium at both the Giro and the Tour, solidifying her place in cycling history.
Fuente: 20minutos.es
From a young age, Nicole Cooke dreamed of riding in the Tour de France and competing at the Olympic Games. And, as it turned out, her dreams weren’t ambitious enough for what she would go on to achieve.
In 2006 and 2007, she claimed back-to-back victories in the Tour de France Féminin, and in 2008, she topped it off with Olympic gold in Beijing. From dreaming of participation to becoming the best in the field—not bad at all, right?
After retiring, Nicole became a vocal advocate for women’s cycling, openly criticising the absence of a proper Women’s Tour de France. Her persistence, alongside growing support from across the sport, helped spark change—and in 2022, the Tour de France Femmes finally returned. Proof that raising your voice matters—and can lead to real progress.
Fuente: cyclist.co.uk
The complete cyclist. For many, Marianne Vos is the greatest to ever ride a bicycle. The Dutch rider has shone in every discipline: road, track, mountain biking, and cyclocross. At just 19 years old, she was already a world champion in both cyclocross and road racing a clear sign of the incredible career that lay ahead.
Her awe-inspiring palmarès is best understood by breaking it down by discipline:
Road: 3 Giro Donne victories, 11 classics, 1 Monument, 3 World Championships, a European Championship, and Olympic gold in London 2012.
Track: Olympic gold in Beijing 2008, plus World Champion in Points Race (2008) and Scratch (2011).
Cyclocross: 7-time World Champion, 2-time European Champion, and 2019 World Cup winner.
But behind all these triumphs lies a story of personal struggle and resilience. The intensity of training, pressure to perform, and the weight of constant success eventually led Marianne to a dark place she was diagnosed with depression. It took her three years to rediscover her mental wellbeing and return to the top of her sport.
Today, Marianne is a powerful advocate in the fight for women’s rights in sport and society. From the saddle, she continues to raise awareness for women’s cycling and strives to open doors, inspire, and support young girls who dream of pedalling towards their own future.
Fuente: olympics.com
“Step by step we’ll build a more equal world, but the first step is to never let a man put you down.” These words from Mónica Santini, CEO of the cycling brand Santini, were shared in a conversation with Volata magazine in its special edition on women’s cycling. A quote that perfectly captures the spirit and strength behind the incredible work so many women continue to do in a sport long dominated by men.
You’ve probably heard it at some point in your life—perhaps when trying to change something—“That’s just how it’s always been done.” It’s the kind of response that feels like a dead weight, crushing your drive to innovate or move forward. Unfortunately, this has been the standard reply for countless women in the world of cycling. A world that still clings to outdated traditions and rigid ways of thinking, rooted in inertia and lack of vision.
But women in the sport have found their answer: hard work, ambition, and an unshakable belief in themselves.
They know that simply because they’re women, they’re held to higher standards—and that the slightest mistake will be judged more harshly. Female cyclists and those in management roles have learned to operate under that pressure and have been proving for years that they are just as capable—if not more so. Still, many are well aware that sexist attitudes have discouraged other women, and they fear it may continue. That’s why they understand the importance of being vocal, visible advocates for equality in sport.
It’s a role they proudly take on—but it’s one they wish didn’t have to exist. They’d rather not be asked about equality in every interview, or endure wary glances from men stuck in the past. They simply want to do their jobs, and to be treated and heard on equal footing.
Fortunately, women’s cycling has come a long way, especially in the past decade. There’s more investment, more women in leadership roles, and more young riders stepping into the sport than ever before. These are giant strides forward, hard-earned through years of dedication and resistance.
But let’s be honest: there’s still a long road ahead.
Today, there are 15 women’s teams in the UCI World Tour, along with many Continental teams that are actively investing in the development of young female riders. When it comes to races, more and more organisers are stepping up to include women’s events, with some standout milestones in recent years: the return of the Tour de France Femmes in 2022, the inclusion of a full week of major stages for the women’s peloton at La Vuelta Femenina in 2023, and since 2021, the arrival of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes, one of the most iconic races in cycling history.
Even in smaller events, like sportives and cycling festivals, it’s inspiring to see growing female participation, a clear sign that progress is happening and passion for cycling is rising.
However, there’s still a long way to go. While progress has been significant, a comparison with the men’s calendar shows a gap that remains far too wide. For every race day men have, women only race about one in every 3.5 days. Let’s hope that change continues to accelerate—and that soon, these numbers begin to even out.
París Roubaix femenina 2021. Fuente: movistarteam.com
There have been some truly hopeful shifts in men’s cycling in recent years. One historic moment came in 2020, when Cherie Pridham became the first woman to manage a men’s World Tour team, taking the reins at Israel Start-Up Nation. When the news broke, she shared these powerful words: “I will face the same challenges as my colleagues, make the same mistakes, and enjoy the same successes. I know I’ll inspire others to follow the same path—and that really means something to me.” A statement that beautifully reflects the drive among women in cycling to inspire future generations and claim their space through hard work and equal opportunities.
And she didn’t stop at words. In 2021, while managing Lotto Soudal, Pridham celebrated a major milestone: a World Tour stage victory at Tirreno-Adriatico. A clear sign that progress, when backed by talent and dedication, bears fruit.
Beyond the peloton and team cars, women are increasingly shaping the cycling world in media, communication, and content creation. Orla Chennaoui, now a leading voice at Eurosport, recalls how, just ten years ago, “I’d look around the press rooms and I was the only woman there, aside from one Asian photographer.” Thankfully, that landscape is changing—and she’s determined to see it continue.
Spain also boasts some standout voices helping lead the way, such as:Laura Meseguer – presenter and reporter at Eurosport, Laura Cueto – head of communications at Unipublic, organisers of La Vuelta and Tour-related events, Olga Ábalos – director of Volata magazine
Each of these women is not only doing outstanding work in their field, but also helping to shift the culture of cycling toward greater inclusion and equality.
Cherie Pridham en el coche de equipo. Fuente: mundobici.com
Finally, let’s talk about a topic that’s sure to make you reflect—and one that highlights the very real inequality still present in cycling: money.
At the end of the day, training and racing is a job for professional cyclists. It should provide a stable income. But when fair salaries don’t exist, many talented women are forced to give up their dreams and look for work in other sectors that offer financial security. And when this happens, women’s cycling cannot evolve, simply because the incentive to keep going isn’t there.
While there has been a step forward—the introduction of a mandatory minimum salary for women in the World Tour—we are still far from equity. As it stands, the minimum salary for a male rider in the World Tour is €38,115, and €30,855 for Continental teams. For women, the minimum is just half that.
Before the minimum wage was introduced, around 20% of women riders weren’t paid at all, and more than half needed a second job to make ends meet. That’s without even factoring in costs many had to cover themselves: mechanical and medical support, travel, accommodation, food, physio… It’s no wonder the dream of being a professional cyclist can feel out of reach for many women.
The most alarming statistic? Men’s teams have 75 times more budget than women’s teams. That’s an enormous gap—and it explains a lot. Without money, there are no salaries. Without salaries, there are no athletes. And without athletes, the sport cannot grow. As sad as it is, that’s the reality.
So, what’s the solution? We need investment. And to attract investment, we need to “sell the product”. Sponsors want visibility—on TV, in the news, on social media. And every time a women’s race is broadcast, the numbers prove it: there is an audience. People are watching. People care. Now it’s time to give women’s cycling the platform it deserves—so the sport can flourish for generations to come.
Poster announcing the television broadcast of the 2022 Women’s Tour de France. Source: eurosport.com
It’s time to keep backing women’s cycling with strength and conviction, to keep pushing for a fairer, more equal sport—and above all, to keep pedalling, whether you’re a man or a woman, towards a better world where we no longer need to talk about equality—because it already exists.
KEEP ON CYCLING
