The landscape of sports and popular culture is increasingly highlighting women’s achievements. From the cultural phenomenon of the Barbie movie to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour, and the growing prominence of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the rise of women’s influence is undeniable. Even in college sports, the most talked-about athlete in America is basketball star Caitlin Clark. These examples, among countless others, underscore the expanding impact of women across diverse sectors of society.
This wave of empowerment is significantly impacting the world of cycling. Women’s cycling is experiencing rapid growth, evidenced by the popularity of events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (launched in 2022), the women’s Paris-Roubaix avec Zwift, and a burgeoning calendar of races and teams. Furthermore, the gravel racing boom is attracting a substantial number of female cyclists. For instance, the SBT GRVL event in Colorado saw 31% female participation last year – a remarkable leap for a sport traditionally dominated by men. The number of women’s road racing teams is also increasing annually, and 2025 will mark a historic moment with the inclusion of a U23 women’s race at the UCI World Championships, encouraging younger women to pursue competitive cycling.
Driven by curiosity to witness the European women’s racing scene firsthand, I seized an opportunity during a recent work trip. Traveling from London to Paris to meet my daughter, my itinerary coincided with the Tour of Normandie pro women’s race. Fortuitously, my friend Chris Gutowsky’s Cynisca Cycling team was competing. I journeyed from Portsmouth to Caen via ferry and joined the team at their hotel, eager to delve into the heart of the action.
And indeed, fortune favored us: Cynisca’s Lauren Stephens achieved a thrilling stage victory with a late solo breakaway. Being in the team car with team director Gillian Ellsay and mechanic (and Lauren’s husband) Mat Stephens that day was an unforgettable experience.
Here are my key takeaways from a day immersed in European women’s bike racing:
1. The Thrilling Ascent of Women’s Cycling
Cynisca Cycling’s mission is particularly compelling. They stand out as the sole American bike racing team dedicating the majority of their season to competing in Europe, representing the USA on an international stage. While some men’s UCI World Tour teams like EF Education-EasyPost, Human Powered Health, and Trek-Segafredo are registered in the US, their rider composition and team identity are not distinctly American. Other American teams, such as DNA Pro Cycling, periodically participate in European races. However, Cynisca distinguishes itself with a roster of nine American riders out of sixteen, complemented by Canadian, French, and Irish athletes. Based in France for most of the season, Cynisca’s primary focus is nurturing female bike racers. This developmental emphasis is becoming more prevalent, with UCI Women’s World Tour teams increasingly establishing development programs. The introduction of Pro Teams as a second tier under the World Tour level in 2025 further signifies this growth. Fueled by the popularity of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the upcoming U23 women’s race at the UCI World Road Championships in Rwanda, women’s cycling is poised for significant expansion. Cynisca is at the vanguard of this movement, and the enthusiastic reception from French host towns underscores the growing recognition and excitement surrounding these races. This category is expected to flourish in the coming years.
2. The Exhilarating Pace of European Women’s Races
The sheer speed of European women’s professional cycling is astonishing. Lauren’s stage 3 victory, covering 83 miles with 6,000 feet of climbing, was achieved at an average speed of 25 mph. This pace is remarkably fast, comparable to a high-level men’s race. With a peloton of approximately 120 riders, the intensity is palpable. The speed of the women’s European pro peloton rivals that of a men’s Cat 1–2 race in the United States, highlighting the elevated level of competition. For women seeking high-performance experiences on their bikes, European racing presents an unparalleled challenge and opportunity.
3. The Vital Role of Team Camaraderie
Team bonding is a crucial, yet often unseen, aspect of professional cycling. The team dinner following each stage is particularly significant. Sharing a meal of vegetable soup and pasta with the Cynisca team the evening before the race, I realized it’s a vital opportunity for riders and staff to connect personally. Amidst the demanding schedules of race days, these dinners provide a rare moment for building relationships. Like any sports team, strong bonds between teammates are invaluable and contribute significantly to success on the road. This camaraderie fosters a supportive environment, essential for the grueling nature of professional cycling.
4. The Hectic and Hazardous Reality of Team Car Support
The perspective from a team car in the caravan behind the peloton reveals a chaotic and potentially dangerous environment rarely seen on television broadcasts. Each team car has an assigned position (we were #11), but the line is constantly in flux as cars maneuver to support riders who are in a breakaway, need mechanical assistance, or require clothing adjustments. This constant movement, often at high speeds (up to 60 mph) on winding roads with blind corners, is surprisingly stressful even as a passenger. The close proximity to riders and other vehicles demands constant vigilance from the team director driving the car. Inside the car, the atmosphere is intense, with the blaring French commentary from the official race radio, team radio communications with riders, real-time course mapping via VeloViewer on an iPad, speed and distance data on an iPhone, and a live race broadcast on another phone. Processing this information in real-time while navigating the “race within a race” of team cars requires remarkable composure, exemplified by Cynisca team DS Gillian Ellsay.
5. The Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes
The dedication and relentless effort of the support staff are essential for the success of any cycling team. Mechanics Mat and Lothar were diligently preparing bikes in the rain until late into the evening. Directeurs sportifs Gillian and Billy, along with soigneurs Dea and Mark, were engaged in various tasks throughout the evening and the morning before the race. The sheer volume of work required to enable the athletes to perform on race day is immense – from preparing food and maintaining bikes to fueling vehicles and filling water bottles. The often-unseen contributions of these individuals are truly deserving of recognition and respect. They are the backbone of the team, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled.
To witness the excitement of women’s bike racing firsthand, you can watch the broadcast video of stage 3:
