I admire the work that Rachael Burnside has done to create Uplift, the mentoring program for women in the cycling industry. It's actually much more than that. It's a movement. When I floated the idea of needing help for this list, Rachael was all in, excited to tap into the Uplift community and beyond for nominations to assemble a list of a diverse names of women who are doing tremendous things in the industry, community building, being role models, and so much more.
--Wade Wallace
When Wade asked me to write this piece, my thoughts quickly shifted to, "Only 50? I could easily list hundreds, I know so many." Just a few years ago, I doubt anyone could have said the same.
Cycling has long been a predominantly male discipline, from the road, mountains to the boardroom. However, the landscape is changing. Today, women’s cycling, and the women shaping the cycling industry, are experiencing an era of progress, visibility, and influence.
In 2024, ‘women cyclists’ emerged as the fastest-growing demographic in the Garmin community, with a 9% increase in cycling activities. Similarly, Strava reported an 11% rise in women cycling. Meanwhile, a recent analysis of Google’s global search trends revealed a 27.33% increase in interest in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift*, signalling the potential growing enthusiasm for women's road cycling worldwide. UNBOUND Gravel has seen a consistent growth in women’s participation, this year clocking a 19% increase in entries year on year.
Beyond participation, momentum for women within the cycling industry is positive. Uplift, the Women in Cycling Industry Mentorship, Networking, and Community Programme, has seen applications for its mentorship programme double quarter on quarter, with 18% of its mentees earning promotions, highlighting the industry's increasing commitment to retaining (a key objectives of the programme) and supporting women’s career growth within cycling the industry.
From elite racing to grassroots advocacy, from pioneering athletes to industry leaders, women are shaping the future of cycling like never before. To highlight and celebrate this, the 50 Influential Women in Cycling list has been compiled, celebrating the women driving change across all levels of cycling and the industry.
Building Positive Momentum in Women in Cycling
Just a few years ago, conversations around women’s cycling were often dominated by disparities - unequal prize money, limited media coverage, and a lack of funding. While challenges remain, the shift is clear: as the global growth of women’s sports continues to rise, women in cycling are at the fore of a new era. An opportunity.
We’ve seen the rise of events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and increased investment from major brands like Nike stepping into the space.
Brands are showing confidence in the future of women’s cycling by committing to long-term sponsorship deals, securing financial stability for teams and athletes. With SD Worx backing SD Worx-Protime through 2028, these extended commitments are a testament to the growing confidence in women's cycling, a strong belief in the upward trajectory and ultimately commercial viability. In many cases, women are driving the agenda, confidently.
Collectively we believe that, for cycling to truly thrive, diverse perspectives are essential. Through conversations, events, and collaborations, we are recognising these needs and taking action.
Celebrating 50 of the most Influential Women in Cycling
This '50 most Influential Women in Cycling' list has been voted for entirely by the women of the industry, some names are easily recognised due to years and even decades of dedicated effort. However, this list isn’t just about the most decorated riders, the biggest voices, or the best use of LinkedIn! It’s about influence, impact, support, and the communities they are building. It’s about the unsung heroes whose work doesn’t always make the feed or headlines but is crucial to the evolution of cycling.
So, as you read through these 50 trailblazers, take a moment to appreciate the breadth of influence and impact these women have across every corner of cycling.
Please note that this is not a complete list, not a 'top' list, and we could have easily listed hundreds of worthy names. The purpose of this list is to simply celebrate some of the people doing impactful work for women in cycling.
Sources:
-Google Keyword, Feb 21 - Jan 25, Global (English, French, German)
-Strava Annual Year in Sport Trend Report 2024
-Garmin - The Beat on Bikes: New Data Shows Garmin Users Cycling More This Year 2024
-Direct data from Life Time UNBOUND Gravel
Criteria
- People who invest in the sport (money, time, or other resources).
- People who run impactful events (races, participation rides, expos, etc)
- People who inspire others to take up the sport.
- Media personalities who use their voice for good.
- People who are in the often thankless job of cycling administration or non-profits.
- People in the cycling industry doing innovative work.
- The people nominated need to be currently living and making a positive impact within the last decade.
What is this not:
- Most popular
- Most powerful
- Most race wins
- Historic figures no longer actively involved (they deserve their own list)
Here are the 50 of the most Influential Women in Cycling, as nominated by a global community of women in cycling
Abby Mickey
The host of the Wheel Talk podcast (shoutout to the co-hosts Loren Rowney and Gracie Elvin, as well as regulars Matilda Raynolds and Georgie Howe) and reporter at Escape Collective has made women's pro road racing accessible and engaging to new audiences. Their ability to break down complex race tactics and share insights has directly contributed to growing the fanbase for women's cycling, creating passionate supporters who better understand and appreciate the sport and its athletes.
Alexa Cunningham
A dynamic leader at Shimano, Alexa drives change within a tradition-bound company through partnerships that elevate women's cycling. Her combination of professionalism and passion is evident in initiatives like the 2024 TdFFaZ Stage 4 event at Valkenburg's Shimano Experience Center, dedicated to celebrating women's cycling.
Alison Jackson
Known for making cycling fun and accessible, Alison combines competitive success with an infectious personality that draws interest to the sport. Her approach breaks down barriers and showcases the joy of cycling, helping to create a more inclusive environment for all riders.
Alison Tetrick
A true advocate for women in cycling, Alison brings boundless energy to growing participation. She focuses on supporting newcomers to the sport and creating pathways for women at all levels, from recreational to competitive cycling, emphasising that cycling is for everyone regardless of experience or background.
Anne-Marije Rook
Anne-Marije has spent years amplifying women's elite cycling through exceptional writing and reporting. Her thought-provoking pieces have elevated the visibility of female athletes and contributed significantly to changing perceptions about women's racing, helping it gain the recognition and coverage it deserves.
Beth Duryea
A dedicated force behind the Canyon//SRAM team, Beth has made significant contributions to advancing women's cycling through her team management. Her approach creates supportive environments where female athletes can thrive professionally while advocating for positive structural changes within the sport's governance.
Bonnie Tu
As founder of Liv and retired Chairperson of Giant Bicycle Group, the first cycling brand dedicated entirely to female riders, Bonnie revolutionised the women's cycling industry by addressing bike fit, design, and accessibility specifically for women. Her leadership has pushed the entire industry to prioritise women-specific innovations, making cycling more inclusive and empowering for female cyclists worldwide.
Bridie O'Donnell
Former professional cyclist, hour record holder, public servant, author, cycling commentator, and medical practitioner, Bridie has been an advocate for women in cycling and representation. She’s held leadership roles aimed at improving women's sports, particularly in Australia. The Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation in Victoria, the first role of its kind in Australia, aimed at increasing gender equity in sports. She also played a key role in initiatives like Change Our Game, which aims to address systemic barriers preventing women from achieving equality in sports.
Cassondra Spring
As Global Brand Manager at Liv Cycling, Cassondra shapes the brand's identity through innovative marketing strategies that challenge industry norms. Her work focuses on empowering female riders while championing diversity and inclusivity. Under her leadership, more women have embraced cycling, with Liv becoming a dominant force in the women's cycling space.
Chloe Hosking
After a successful cycling career and winning races at the sport’s highest level, Chloe transitioned to becoming a lawyer, founded Hosking Bikes (the first female-led bike brand raced in the pro peloton), and now shapes cycling governance through board roles and advocacy. She mentors young cyclists, supports riders with disabilities, and makes cycling more accessible through affordable quality bikes. Chloe has been outspoken about pay disparities, race opportunities, and team conditions in women’s cycling. She has been involved in grassroots cycling initiatives to encourage more women to take up racing.
Demi Vollering
Demi is a current dominant force in women's racing who inspires through her philosophy: "When you follow your passion, work hard, and dream big, you can achieve anything." Her Nike endorsement has brought significant mainstream attention to women's cycling, expanding its reach beyond traditional cycling audiences.
Elizabeth Walker
As Liv Racing team manager, Elizabeth is reshaping the professional race environment in a predominantly male workforce. Her leadership creates more opportunities for both female riders and staff, positioning women as central figures in the sport and challenging longstanding gender imbalances in team management.
Emma Abel
A trailblazing UCI-accredited agent representing top names in women's cycling, Emma has been instrumental in advancing contractual protections for female athletes, including pioneering maternity contract clauses. Her bespoke management approach continues to shape the careers of the world's best riders while improving professional standards.
Fran Millar
After helping create and drive Team Sky/Ineos (the most successful World Tour team), Fran returned to cycling as CEO at Rapha following a successful tenure turning around heritage clothing brand Belstaff. As one of the industry's few female CEOs, her fresh perspective and transformation of a key cycling brand is shattering glass ceilings.
Gloria Hwang
Gloria founded Thousand Helmets after losing a friend in a cycling accident. By focusing on stylish designs that people actually want to wear, she's increased helmet usage and made safety feel fashionable. Her mission-driven company supports safe riding habits, urban mobility, and accessible trail systems.
Grace Brown
A world champion and Olympic gold medalist who retired at her peak, Grace serves as President of The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) and is actively involved in community and charity programs. Her ‘grace’ and leadership as a role model both on and off the bike has established new standards for female athletes in cycling.
Gracey Hemstreet
Gracey was the first woman to ever successfully complete the world toughest downhill race, the Red Bull Hardline. This represents a significant breakthrough for women in DH mountain biking. Her achievement is a huge achievement for female performance progress in extreme events.
Gracie Elvin
Gracie was one of Australia's foremost cyclists during her career. Since retirement in 2020 she has done a remarkable job becoming one of Australia's best and most loved cycling commentators. She also co-founded the first ever women’s cycling union – The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) to represent the female professional peloton and to progress their opportunities. She's also a regular co-host on Escape Collective’s Wheel Talk podcast.
Hannah Barnes
Hannah has powerfully demonstrated that elite cycling and motherhood can successfully coexist. Using her platform to show that being "epic on bikes and being a mom is possible," she's breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for women who want to maintain their cycling careers through parenthood.
Iris Slappendel
After retiring from pro cycling, Iris founded The Cyclists' Alliance, a rider-led union pushing for better conditions and equality in women's racing. She also founded her own cycling apparel brand featuring bold designs that empower women riders, while her insightful race commentary brings engaging visibility to the women's peloton.
Isabell Eberlein
As co-CEO of VeloKonzept and co-founder of Women in Cycling, Isabel drives industry connections through initiatives like Eurobike's 'women in cycling breakfast.' Her business acumen and leadership in cycling promotion connect the cycling industry with politics and neighbouring sectors, making her a key force in European cycling development.
Jenn Dice
Jenn has been the CEO of People for Bikes for over a decade. Their mission is to “inspire and empower cities to take actions that get more people on bikes to promote healthier populations and a more livable planet.” which is a noble cause for anyone who rides a bike. Previously, Jenn was served as IMBA’s director of Government Relations for 13 years and advocated for the sport of mountain biking and shaped important laws (and trained countless other advocates how to lobby) that affect access to mountain bike trails on public lands around the country. There's a good chance that the trails you're riding on have been influenced in some way by Jenn.
Joscelin Ryan
As rider liaison at the Rayner Foundation, Joscelin supports U23 riders building cycling careers. Her work helps develop the next generation of cycling talent by providing critical guidance during the crucial transition periods in young riders' development.
Juliet Scott-Croxford
As President of Brompton Bicycle North America, Juliet is transforming urban mobility through innovation and sustainability. Her leadership has expanded access to cycling and championed inclusivity. She leads by example, using Brompton bikes for daily commuting while strategically positioning the brand with partners across the US and UK.
Kate Courtney
Not only is Kate a former XCO World Champion, but she’s uses her profile to support the Sparkle On scholarship that assists with the financial burden of college and encourages recipients to continue cycling into their college life. She also has partnered with the NorCal Cycling League and the She Sends Foundation, whose mission is to get more girls on bikes. Of course, the latter could not have been done without Vanessa Hauswald who has been the executive director for the NorCal League for the past 14 years.
Kate Veronneau
As Director of Women’s Strategy at Zwift, Kate is the driving force behind enabling the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift with her time, advocacy, and Zwift’s title sponsorship. Not only that, Kate had been championing women’s representation in Zwift’s marketing since the beginning and was instrumental in starting the Zwift Academy with Canyon-SRAM.
Katie Holden
Katie worked tirelessly to promote women in freeride mountain biking, spearheading Formation and pushing Red Bull until women were finally included in Rampage. Her years of building opportunities, negotiating commercial relationships, and addressing misconceptions ultimately led to the historic inclusion of women at Red Bull Rampage in 2024.
Kimberly Coats
As CEO of Team Africa Rising, Kim has been the driving force behind cycling development in Africa since 2009, with a particular focus on women's cycling. Her work has grown African women's cycling by 469%, training not just riders but also mechanics, coaches, and federation staff while fighting cultural barriers and misogyny.
Kristi Mohn
One of Unbound's founders and a longtime advocate for women in gravel racing, Kristi leads initiatives like "More Women, More Miles" that have significantly increased female participation in off-road cycling events. Her work creates inclusive spaces and opportunities for women to experience and excel in gravel racing.
Lael Wilcox
Beyond her record-breaking ultra-endurance achievements, Lael focuses on bringing more women into long-distance cycling through successful women's rallies with Komoot. Her Anchorage GRIT program helps local girls discover cycling, while her scholarship program supports women's adventure cycling in Alaska. Her infectious positivity inspires riders everywhere.
Lizzie Deignan
A trailblazer whose success has inspired many young cyclists, particularly women, demonstrating that dedication and resilience can lead to international acclaim. Lizzie also proved motherhood and a pro career can coexist. Her advocacy influenced the UCI to introduce paid maternity leave for female riders, creating lasting structural change in the sport.
Marianne Vos
A revolutionary force in women's cycling, Marianne's versatility and dominance across road, cyclocross, and track earned her the nickname "The Cannibal." Beyond her titles, she championed equality and helped launch La Course by Le Tour de France, inspiring generations and becoming a pivotal figure in women's cycling history. Vos’ ability to win across disciplines has proven that women’s cycling is just as dynamic, technical, and exciting as men’s.She has inspired countless young cyclists, showing that a long and successful career in women’s cycling is possible.
Marley Blonsky and Kailey Kornhauser
Through their "All Bodies on Bikes" movement, Marley and Kailey have transformed conversations about body image in cycling. Their work promotes authentic representation and inclusivity, showing women how to embrace their bodies while enjoying cycling, regardless of size or shape.
Meredith Brandt and Lindsey Richter
Co-founders of Ladies AllRide, Meredith brings organisational excellence to women's mountain biking events. Working alongside Lindsey Richter, they translates vision into reality, creating welcoming, well-executed experiences that have helped thousands of women discover mountain biking in a supportive environment.
Michelle Duffy
Leading an incredible team at Life Time, Michelle drives initiatives that expand women's participation in cycling events. Her leadership combines resilience and innovative thinking to create more inclusive cycling experiences accessible to riders of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Nikki Hawyes
As CEO of Whyte Bikes, Nikki drove the only comprehensive diversity report in the cycling industry. Her leadership and mentorship of rising industry stars challenges gender norms in executive cycling roles while promoting evidence-based approaches to diversity and inclusion.
Orla Chennaoui
Orla has played a significant role in elevating women’s sport, particularly in cycling and broadcasting. As one of the most respected sports journalists and presenters, she has used her platform to amplify female athletes' voices, push for greater media coverage, and challenge outdated perceptions in sport. She successfully confronts trolls while demonstrating that sports business is a legitimate career path for women, inspiring a new generation of female professionals.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
Pauline is one of the most dominant and versatile cyclists in history, having won world championships in road, cyclocross, and mountain biking. She was a high-profile signing for INEOS Grenadiers, marking the team’s first real investment in a female rider and signalling that women’s cycling is worth backing at the highest level. She has also set an example for prioritising athlete health, stepping away from racing when needed and showing that longevity in sport comes from managing both the physical and mental side of elite competition.
Peta Mullens
As youthful as Peta still is, she's been involved in competitive cycling for as long as most of us can remember. Her accomplishments span almost every discipline and she has 12 national titles to her name. But it's not her race wins that make her a worthy inclusion on this list – her development of younger athletes in her team Roxsolt, while still competing herself for over a decade, is what makes her such a positive influence in Australia
Rachael Burnside
(Since Rachael modestly left herself off this list despite receiving countless nominations, it would have been a sin not to include her! So there's actually 51 on this list -Wade Wallace)
Founder of Uplift, a mentorship program connecting aspiring female leaders with industry veterans, Rachael has created a vital network for women in cycling. Beyond her day job as Head of Marketing at SHIFT Active Media, she’s created this program which encourages growth, confidence, and visibility for women across the cycling industry, building lasting change in a traditionally predominantly male field.
Rachel Jary
As a writer at Rouleur, Rachel illuminates the personalities behind the racers in the women's peloton. Her approach to cycling journalism focusing on the human stories that connect audiences to athletes, doing things differently while leading the way for women in sports journalism.
Rebecca Charlton
Rebecca has played a key role in promoting women’s cycling, using her platform as a journalist, broadcaster (Eurosport, ITV, and the BBC), and author to elevate the sport. Through her work in cycling media, event coverage, and advocacy, she has helped increase visibility for female athletes, encourage more women to ride, and challenge outdated perceptions in cycling.
Rebecca Rusch
A multifaceted cycling icon known for her endurance racing, adventure expeditions, motivational speaking, and charitable work. Rebecca combines athletic accomplishments with business acumen and storytelling ability, pushing boundaries in the endurance space while raising significant funds for charities with just the right balance of grit and grace.
Sarah King
Founder of London Academy, a cycling team focused on grassroots women's cycling with the mission statement "more women racing bikes." Sarah volunteers her time to provide mentorship and support across racing, development, and community building, creating pathways for women to enter competitive cycling.
Sarah Storey
A Paralympic hero who's broken barriers throughout her career, Sarah made notable WorldTour appearances during her road racing career. Her accomplishments across multiple disciplines have inspired adaptive athletes while challenging perceptions about para-cycling and women's capabilities in the sport.
Sarah Sturm
Sarah has become a leading figure in gravel and mountain biking, not just through her racing success but through her influence in changing the culture of competitive cycling. She has used her platform to make cycling more inclusive, accessible, and fun, inspiring more women to take up the sport and challenge traditional ideas about competition. Sturm has built a reputation for balancing elite competition with fun and inclusivity, proving that top-level racing doesn’t have to be hyper-serious or exclusive.
Stella Yu
As founder of Velo Saddles, Stella sparked change in Taiwan's bicycle industry by demonstrating women's leadership potential in international cycling business. As the founder and general manager of Velo Enterprise Co., Ltd., she has transformed the company into a global leader, producing over 15 million saddles annually and employing more than 2,000 people across facilities in Taiwan and China.
Tiffany Cromwell
Beyond her enduring success as a professional cyclist, Tiff has leveraged her personal brand, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset to build a strong business presence. Most notably, co-founding OATH Gin and partnering in RADL GRVL and FNLD GRVL events, making her a standout figure in the business side of cycling and sports. By balancing road cycling, gravel, and personal projects, she has positioned herself as a multi-dimensional athlete-entrepreneur.
Timia Porter
Timia, known as "Thee Carbon Queen" on Instagram, is an emerging figure in the cycling community, particularly noted for her advocacy and representation as a Black woman in the sport. A force in cycling who redefines representation as a racer, advocate, and industry disruptor. Timia amplifies marginalised athletes' voices while demanding meaningful change. Through mentorship, consulting, and community-building, she ensures diversity in cycling isn't just a conversation but a reality, making the sport more welcoming for women of color.
Tracy Gaudry
A pioneering sports administrator who served as the first female UCI vice-president and president of the Oceania Cycling Confederation. Tracy's leadership in cycling governance has created structural changes that benefit women's participation and representation at all levels of the sport. Tracy was one of Australia’s top professional cyclists in the late 1990s and early 2000s, competing in Tour de France Féminin editions and World Championships. She was a pioneer for Australian women’s road cycling in Europe, proving that female Australian cyclists could compete at the highest level internationally.
Sandra Wolf
As CEO of e-bike pioneer Riese & Müller, Sandra drives sustainable mobility innovation, positioning bicycles as true alternatives to cars. She champions urban cycling infrastructure following Paris's model for traffic transformation, while personally demonstrating sustainable transportation through her preferred vehicle—a cargo bike.
This list is far from being complete and there are so many worthy people missed. Please recognise your own influential women in cycling in the comments!
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