We’ve just had the following news from Trek and thought that it needed telling. Basically, Trek has promised to make up the gender-related difference in prize money that the UCI offers for World Cup races to equalize the payout for both men’s and women’s races.
Here it is in Trek’s words:
“Trek Bicycle, the host of America’s newest World Cup, the Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Waterloo, has ensured that the race will be the first World Cup in history to offer equal prize money for both the men’s and women’s fields. In accordance with the brand’s longstanding commitment to supporting female athletes, the precedent is being set in the hopes that other races and organizers will follow suit.”
And some more good words:
“Athletes are athletes. Gender, race, size, shape, and ability do not determine a person’s value. Desire, ambition, goals, dreams, and heart are not defined by looks. Every person should have equal opportunity to fulfill their potential, and should be equally rewarded for doing so. Trek is proud to host the first World Cup in cycling’s history to offer equal payouts to the men’s and women’s fields.”
Trek also gathered some quotes from prominent cyclocross racers:
Katie Compton – 13X US National Champion, 2X World Cup Overall Champion, 23X World Cup Winner
“I’m happy and excited that Trek has stepped up and committed to being the first World Cup to pay equal prize money to the women. I don’t think people realize the large discrepancy between what the men earn for prize money compared to what the women typically earn. Trek is leading the way in valuing the women’s race as much as the men’s, and hopefully the European-based World Cups will see this and begin to follow Trek’s lead.”
Marianne Vos – 7X World Champion
“As the first UCI World Cup cyclocross that will offer parity in prize money, Waterloo will set a benchmark for other world class events. This is a valuable step following increased fan and media interest in women’s cyclocross over the last years. I’m sure the women will race with the same motivation as ever, but this recognition will give an extra boost to the sport.”
Helen Wyman – 9X British National Champion, 2X European Champion
“It is amazing that the Waterloo World Cup has gone above and beyond to provide the first-ever equal prize money for a World Cup at their event in Wisconsin this September. I have huge respect for the American racing scene and this shows me once more how the USA are leading our sport in equality. Week after week, we get to see our sport on national television in Belgium with hugely significant viewing figures, and equal prize money for this World Cup reflects exactly how valued women’s racing is and should be. I truly hope others follow.”
Katerina Nash – 5X World Cup Winner
“It’s very exciting to have equal prize money for the first time at a World Cup. The US race promotors have been the leaders when awarding equal prize money at cyclocross events over the last few years. It is the right thing to do and it has helped the sport grow and created lots of great opportunities for not only elite riders but also for young women who are just getting into the sport. Thank you for recognizing our efforts and supporting our racing! The women’s race will be a great show.”
Ellen Noble – U-23 World Cup Overall Champion
“I’m so proud of them for taking a massive leap towards equality in cycling by offering equal prize money for the women’s field this year. I’m proud of Trek for seeing this necessary change and fighting to make it happen! Equal prize money in the sport shows women that our efforts are valuable, worthwhile, and respected, and I believe it will encourage change among the women’s professional racing circuit. I hope that this change encourages other World Cup promoters to do the same.”
Wout van Aert – 2X World Champion, 2X World Cup Overall Champion
“I think it’s a great thing that Trek wants to set the example and lead the way for all World Cups. Prize money needs to be equal across the board, at every race. It’s clear to me that women’s cycling is more appreciated and valued in the US than in Europe, and this is just another illustration of that. I think this is really cool and it’s proof that everyone involved with the sport can, and will, benefit from top level cyclocross racing across the Atlantic.”
And the wrap-up from Trek:
“The 2017 Trek CX Cup will take place September 22-24 with the inaugural Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Waterloo set for Sunday, September 24. Registration to race the Trek CX Cup is open now. The entire calendar of the weekend’s events is entirely free to attend and spectate. Racers and spectators in need of hotel accommodations are encouraged to book now, as Madison, Wisconsin will play host to a large software conference that commands much of the city’s available hotels in the days immediately following the race.”
