One of the major initiatives launched by The Cyclists' Alliance (TCA) is a mentorship program. As an industry organization representing the interests of women cyclists, the TCA aims to support its members at all stages of their careers through this program by connecting mentees with fellow professional cyclists and other companies in the sport.

Ruth Winder (Trek-Segafredo) recently retired after spending the last seven years of her life as a professional cyclist.

"I think the TCA does great work and has really helped me, especially through the mentoring program," Winder said.

"Having Gracie Ervin as a mentor while I retired was great, and I continue to talk to her to this day. This program alone has been wonderful for me. Just the fact that we have something like this now is a huge change and a huge step forward for women in the sport."

As well as offering advice through this mentoring scheme, the TCA also offers workshops where cyclists can learn skills such as media training, networking, and resume building to take them to the next stage of their careers.

"Networking was a big topic and the other women were very open about how to network. 'It was also good to think specifically about my resume and to get constructive feedback and help with resume building. Especially since I was always scouted by cycling teams and didn't have to write a resume to get on a cycling team. So having this workshop from people in the industry I wanted to go into was very helpful.

"Some of the workshops were really encouraging, but no one said, 'So you can do this job. ' But it was encouraging to hear from companies that they believe I have a lot of experience and that they are open to hiring a former professional cyclist, even though that's what I've been doing my whole life."

By giving athletes like Winder the tools to find a career outside the confines of professional cycling, they have more freedom to choose a specific retirement date.

Winder, for example, cites the loss of his fiancée, family, and home in the US while racing in Europe as the main reason for his relatively early retirement at age 28. With a long active life still ahead of her, the scheme run by the TCA allows her to pursue new ventures.