Marianne Vos: Championing women’s cycling and youth empowerment
With multiple world titles under her belt, Vos’s achievements in the sport are nothing short of legendary. However, her influence extends far beyond the podium. She has been a driving force in promoting women’s cycling and supporting young athletes, mainly through her involvement in various initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers in the sport.
Vos is a proud ambassador for Jeugdsportfonds, a Dutch charity financially supporting children from low-income families who want to participate in sports. Her role in this organisation highlights her commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to pursue their passion for sports. By advocating for these young athletes, Vos is helping to create a more inclusive environment where talent can flourish without financial constraints.
In addition to her work with Jeugdsportfonds, Vos is also an ambassador for Youth United for Sri Lanka (YU4SL), a charity founded by young people to support underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka. Vos and other Dutch celebrities like speed skater Ireen Wüst have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for this cause.
Tiffany Cromwell: A voice for gender equality and women’s health
Tiffany Cromwell, an Australian professional cyclist, has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in cycling throughout her career. Known for her success on the road and gravel circuits, Cromwell has used her platform to address the disparities between male and female athletes in the sport. Her passion for gender equality has led her to participate in numerous charity rides and events, often raising awareness and funds for critical causes, such as cancer research.
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Cromwell’s commitment to making a difference off the bike led to her involvement with Pink Ribbon Monaco, a leading breast cancer charity in the Principality of Monaco. In 2023, she was appointed Vice President of the organisation, working closely with its president and founder, Natasha Frost-Savio, to further the charity’s mission of raising awareness about breast cancer among the population. Cromwell’s new role reflects her deep dedication to promoting women’s health and early detection initiatives, leveraging her influence as a top athlete to positively impact lives.
Aileen McGlynn: Advocating for disability sports
Aileen McGlynn, a British Paralympic cyclist, has achieved remarkable success on the track, including multiple Paralympic gold medals. However, McGlynn’s contributions to the world of sports extend far beyond her athletic achievements. Off the bike, she is a passionate advocate for disability sports, working tirelessly to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in physical activities.
McGlynn’s advocacy work is wide-ranging, including her involvement with organisations such as Disability Sport Scotland. Through her work with these initiatives, McGlynn aims to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and physical activities, regardless of their background or abilities. Her efforts have raised awareness about the challenges para-athletes face and the need for greater support and resources to help them succeed.
Fiona Spotswood: Championing inclusivity in mountain biking
An academic and passionate cyclist, Fiona Spotswood is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in action sports, particularly mountain biking. Her work is centred on breaking down barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in these sports, making them more accessible and welcoming to all. One of her key initiatives is Project FIAS (Fostering Inclusive Action Sports), a research-driven project to create a more inclusive environment for women in mountain biking.
Project FIAS, supported by The British Academy and PolicyBristol, seeks to transform the landscape of women’s mountain biking by developing a national strategy that prioritises increased opportunity, visibility, inclusivity, and integration. Spotswood’s work on this project is not just about getting more women on bikes; it’s about reshaping mountain biking culture to be more inclusive and supportive of female athletes at all levels.
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Recently, Spotswood and her team reached a significant milestone with their first steering group workshop, an essential step in co-creating this national strategy. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the mountain biking community to discuss and develop strategies to ensure women have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in the sport.
Jessie Stevens: Pedalling for the planet
Jessie Stevens made headlines at just 17 years old when she cycled from Devon to Glasgow to attend the COP26 climate conference in 2021. This impressive journey, covering over 500 miles, was a personal challenge and a powerful statement about the urgent need for climate action. Stevens, a passionate environmental activist, used her ride to raise awareness about climate change’s impact and call for more sustainable practices in all areas of life, including transportation.
Along the way, she connected with communities, spoke at events, and shared her experiences on social media, inspiring others to consider how they could contribute to the fight against climate change. Her ride was a stark reminder of the potential of cycling as a sustainable and accessible mode of transport, particularly in a world grappling with the consequences of environmental degradation.
Since her COP26 ride, Stevens has continued to advocate for environmental causes, focusing on cycling’s role in reducing carbon emissions. She has worked with various environmental organisations and continues to speak out on issues related to climate change, inspiring others to take action in their own lives.
Hanna Ahmed: Building bridges through cycling
Hanna Ahmed, a director at Hop On, a social enterprise based in Bradford, UK, is dedicated to making cycling accessible to underrepresented communities. Ahmed’s work focuses on breaking down cultural and economic barriers to cycling, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy the sport’s benefits. Under her leadership, Hop On has organised numerous community rides, cycling education programmes, and workshops that promote health, well-being, and inclusivity.
One of Ahmed’s notable achievements is her work in engaging women from diverse backgrounds in cycling. She has spearheaded initiatives that provide safe spaces for women to learn how to ride, often in communities where cycling is not traditionally part of the culture. These programs have been instrumental in empowering women, giving them the confidence and skills to take up cycling and enjoy the freedom and independence it offers.
Cycling together for a better tomorrow
Through their charity work, advocacy, and community engagement, these dedicated cyclists are making a lasting impact that goes far beyond the world of sports. Whether promoting health and wellness, advocating for inclusivity, or fighting for environmental sustainability, they use their platforms to drive positive change, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that the true power of cycling lies not just in the races won but in the lives touched and the communities transformed.