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Get your week started with the latest news in women’s cycling
All-rounder Marit Raaijmakers has extended her contract with Human Powered Health through 2025. She joined the team in 2022 and was a runner-up at this year’s Vuelta CV Feminas. While also a track rider, she will focus entirely on the road for the coming season.
Reigning U23 Road world champion Blanka Vas has extended her contract with Team SD Worx – Protime until 2027. “I feel good and get a lot of freedom here. I am convinced that Team SD Worx – Protime is the team where I can continue to develop further,” says the Hungarian champion. Last season, she took victories at the Giro Donne and Tour de Suisse, while this year she was, among others, a two-day leader at the Vuelta a España Femenina.
History will be made at the Olympic Games, because for the first time, there will be equal numbers of male and female competitors – 90 riders – in each road race. And also for the first time, a record number of nine African women will take part in the road race, and a total of thirteen will compete across road, mountain bike, cross country and track racing. Organisations such as Team Africa Rising have been instrumental in helping women to gain access to training and development possibilities. The UCI training and development facilities in South Africa, along with the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, have also provided a launch pad for talented riders, some of whom have already gained contracts with teams in Europe.
According to Belgian media, cyclocross is poised to be included in the Winter Olympics in 2030, which is set to be held in the French Alps. Formal announcements from the UCI are expected next year. Although cyclocross is practiced in the winter, it is not considered a winter sport according to the current IOC Olympic charter, which requires such sports to be held on snow or ice. Inclusion would necessitate a change to the charter.
The Belgian press has reported that Belgian telecom company Dstny will no longer sponsor the Lotto cycling team. Disagreement on the management of the team, future outlook, and financial considerations were listed as reasons behind the company’s decision. An announcement on how this will affect the Lotto Dsnty Ladies team is expected soon.
The UCI has launched a call for applications for the first ever UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards. One of the actions identified within the UCI’s Sustainability Strategy, the creation of the UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards, means recognition will be given to outstanding initiatives implemented by members of the cycling family (including professional riders, teams, National Federations, and event organisers) that have a positive social and environmental impact, promote active mobility and encourage everyday cycling.
Results
Olympic Games Individual Time Trial: Grace Brown (AUS) ahead of Anna Henderson (GBR) and Chloe Dygert (USA)
Voxwomen Survey!
Help shape our new membership community! Take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your input will assist us in creating a membership community that truly meets your needs and interests. You can complete the survey here. Thank you for your continued support!
Voxwomen Club!
Calling all cycling enthusiasts. The Voxwomen Cycling Club is hosting a series of exciting rides on Zwift with our ambassadors and we’re inviting YOU to join. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, let’s pedal together, have fun and stay fit! More information can be found here.
The Women’s Cycling Podcast p/b Liv
Powered by Liv, our latest podcast episode now available on your favorite podcast platforms! In this second episode, host Rebecca Charlton is joined by Felt UN12D rider and gravel specialist Danni Shrosbree as co-presenter. She talks to Sarah Gigante about her sliding doors moment in changing teams mid-contract and going on to win the 2024 Tour Down Under. She meets professional driver Danielle Reilly, who is regularly in the thick of the action in the WorldTour peloton and Liv AlUla Jayco Director Shawn Clarke gives us an insight into team preparations for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, as well as some reflections from the recent racing on the calendar. Catch it here on Apple Music or here on Spotify!
Zwift Blog
Why are women’s races shorter than men’s? In her latest exclusive blog, Lizzie Stannard examines historical conventions, physiological insights, and current regulations to delve into the reasons behind this disparity and what can be done to bridge the gap. This compelling read can be found here.
This week in cycling history
Connie Carpenter-Phinney
Carpenter-Phinney made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Competing in the inaugural women’s road race, she showcased her exceptional talent and determination. In a thrilling sprint finish on the 79km long course, she narrowly edged out fellow U.S. rider Rebecca Twigg and Italian Jeannie Longo to win the gold medal, becoming the first woman to claim Olympic gold in the event.
Judith Arndt
The German rider celebrated her birthday on July 23. Arndt participated in five Olympic Games, securing three medals in three different disciplines. She became a World Champion four times and earned twelve additional silver and bronze medals at the World Championships in both road and track cycling. Arndt was also crowned German Champion 21 times across six different disciplines. After retiring as a professional cyclist in 2012, she moved to Melbourne, Australia, and remained active in the cycling community. She returned to university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and recently took on a role in coaching.
Julia Shaw
The now 59-year-old British rider did not fully embrace cycling until her early thirties, yet she quickly made a name for herself. Shaw won the national ITT title and secured a bronze medal in the ITT at the Commonwealth Games. In her forties, she also triumphed at the World Masters ITT Championships. Alongside her cycling career, Shaw earned a Master’s degree in Physics and now works as a research scientist specialising in fibre optics. She still contributes to the sport by coaching for the English Institute of Sport.
WorldTour highlight videos
Catch up on all the action from the latest WorldTour races, like the Giro d’Italia Women, right here.
