For its fifth edition, the Tour de France Femmes started with a field of 24 individual MPCC members. This is the highest number seen in a women’s Grand Tour over the past two years, reflecting the growing commitment of riders to the values of our movement, while also highlighting that there is still work to be done.

Committed to the credibility of cycling, the MPCC continues to encourage all stakeholders in the sport to take an active role in protecting cycling from doping, in whatever form it may take. Our movement acknowledges the progress made over the years but remains particularly vigilant towards this scourge, which increasingly extends beyond traditional doping to include the exploitation of “grey area”- practices, substances and methods that sit on the boundaries of current anti-doping regulations. While the men’s peloton is often at the centre of these discussions, women’s cycling should be equally protected as it continues to grow.

For years, the MPCC has advocated for the sustainable and responsible development of women’s cycling, so that athletes can grow and thrive in a healthy environment, free from pressure to seek performance advantages through medical or unethical practices. The level of competitiveness in women’s cycling has grown remarkably over the past decade, and it is essential that the appropriate safeguards continue to develop alongside the sport to help prevent future scandals.

A significant – although still insufficient – proportion of the 147 riders who started the Tour de France Femmes have made a clear choice to fight doping by joining the MPCC. The 24 individual MPCC members competing in this year’s race represent the highest number seen in a women’s Grand Tour over the last two seasons. Among them are many well-known riders who, through their commitment, help strengthen the credibility of women’s cycling.

At the same time, we would encourage even more riders to join our movement, including those whose contribution is often less visible, such as domestiques and road captains. Every rider has an important role to play in promoting a culture of clean and credible sport.

Twelve of the 21 participating teams – more than half of the peloton – are also MPCC member teams. Every voice therefore counts in ensuring that the future of cycling remains grounded in the values that underpin our sport.

The recent membership of the Continental team Sistecrédito, which supports the development of both young female and male riders, is another positive example of the inclusive approach promoted by the MPCC. Our movement remains open to all stakeholders who share our commitment to protecting the credibility and future of cycling.

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