Minimum wage for female cyclists could be counterproductive, says Brian Cookson
Brian Cookson says women at the UCI have warned against introducing a minimum wage for female cyclists as it could lead to fewer professional teams
UCI president Brian Cookson says introducing a minimum wage for female cyclists would be ‘counterproductive’, and may lead to more professional teams reverting to amateur status.
Upon election in September 2013, Cookson promised to bring in the minimum wage within 12 months, but has reportedly been advised against it by women at the UCI.
Speaking at an event at the Rapha store in Manchester on Thursday (November 13) he said: “The women who have been involved in the Women’s Road Commission have told me that the result of that would not be 500 women suddenly being paid the minimum wage; they’ve told me that actually most of the teams that currently present themselves as professional teams would fold or re-register as amateur teams, so they wouldn’t end up paying those women anything at all anyway.
“It’s a bit of a chick and an egg [situation], I’m told, and passing a simple rule at this point in time could potentially be counterproductive. But it does remain an important objective.”
In the male UCI WorldTour, the minimum wage for a rider is €35,000 (£27,800), whereas elite female cyclists reportedly earn just €20,000 (£16,000) per year.
Commonwealth champion Lizzie Armitstead called on Cookson to introduce a minimum wage to the women’s scene back in October.
But Cookson advised that women’s races need to become longer and more difficult to make them more exciting to watch and ride before any plans for wages and a women’s Tour de France can be introduced.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“There is no reason why women’s road races should not be harder and longer,” he said. “Most women’s races are well within the distances in the regulations and it’s certainly something that we could look at.”
He added: “The Tour de France organisers tried [a long women’s race] to a lesser extent before and it was a disaster. If you suddenly did it one year it would be counterproductive, it would put back the development of women’s cycling…I would like to see a week-long women’s Tour de France, a challenging event, some mountain stages and so on. I think these things need to be changed incrementally.”
Source: Guardian
"There is potential for redemption for Lance Armstrong" says Brian Cookson
Brian Cookson: A year as UCI president
After spending 12 months in office as the president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, Brian Cookson spoke to Cycle Sport
Brian Cookson: Team Sky is failing UK talent
UCI president and former member of the team's operating board says homegrown riders are not being developed by the squad.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
New bikepacking route network opens in Arkansas
The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas in partnership with nonprofit Bikepacking Roots opens five new bikepacking routes, all beginning in Fayetteville, that range from 60-190 miles.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
HUNT 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke Aero Disc Wheelset
An impressive all-rounder that's well-suited to wider tyres and a range of riding styles
By Andy Turner Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Lizzie Deignan
The trailblazing British cyclist has been at the top of the sport for over a decade
By Adam Becket Published
-
Brian Cookson Q&A: 'Chris Boardman winning in Barcelona was the only time I’ve ever cried at a bike race'
Former UCI and British Cycling President tells Cycling Weekly about his time in cycling
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to make Tour de France Femmes debut this July
'It's the biggest stage in the world,' says Brit
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Brian Cookson says British Cycling has been ‘damaged’ by outsiders with ‘no real knowledge’ of cycling
Former president of UK cycling governing body says current leadership has ‘no empathy’ with people who ‘make cycling happen’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
CW Live: USA Cycling announces Esports roster; Soudal Quick-Step and Israel-Premier Tech release new kit; Lizzie Deignan back racing in May; Peter Sagan 'disappointed' in Wout van Aert; Cyclist killed in London
Everything you need to know in the world of cycling this Friday
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Brian Cookson says more 'heads must roll' at British Cycling as CEO leaves
Former UCI and British Cycling president says BC chair needs to take some responsibility for ‘unfortunate controversies’ in 2022
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Brian Cookson: UCI should take 'tough decision' to suspend Russian athletes
Former UCI president says cycling's governing body needs to do more after Russian invasion of Ukraine
By Adam Becket Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: Tour de France Femmes will be 'dynamic' compared to men's Tour
Trek-Segafredo rider says that eventually she would like to see a three-week Tour for women
By Adam Becket Published