The French Cycling Federation (FCF) will issue professional racing licenses to top-class female road cyclists for the first time in 2021, the Association Française des Coureures Cyclistes (AFCC) told Cycling News. revealed. French national road race champion Audrey Cordon-Lago said the move is an important step forward for women's cycling in France.

"I am happy to have achieved our first goal as a young association," said Cordon-Lago, who races professionally for Trek-Segafredo and is co-vice president of the national women's association AFCC, created in 2019 to campaign for professional recognition for female cyclists.

"This may seem small, but it's a big step for women's cycling in France!"

The French Cycling Federation's decision to issue professional licenses marks the beginning of the second season of women's WorldTour reform, which now divides the women's cycling team into two tiers: the Women's World Team and the Continental Team.

The agreement was reached on January 15, 2021, and effective immediately, approximately 15 French women athletes signed with the Women's World Team (WWT) will receive professional licenses.

There are currently 9 Women's World Teams, one more than in 2020: SD Worx, Alè BTC Ljubljana Cipollini, Canyon-SRAM, FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope, Team BikeExchange, Liv Racing, Movistar Team Women, Team DSM and Trek-Segafredo.

Women's World Teams must meet specific ethical, financial and administrative requirements, which include, as part of their employment or self-employment contract and include the payment of a minimum salary and other social benefits to the players.

Current cyclists who will benefit from this new rule include those on the country's only women's world team, the FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope: Clara Copponi, Eugenie Duval, Mar Grossetêt, Victory Gilman Marie Le Net, Evita Mujic, Jade Weal, and Cordon Rago, French time trial champion Juliette Labou (Team DSM), and Roxanne Fournier (SD Worx).

Having a professional license, rather than a Category 1, 2, or 3 license, allows the rider-team agreement with Women's WorldTeams to be recognized as a professional job in France, and riders receive substantial support, including health insurance and social security This is an important step forward for women athletes, as it will allow them to receive substantial support, including health insurance and social security. In addition, the AFCC states that the transfer will allow riders to focus on racing and feel professionally recognized by the FCF.

"The French Cycling Federation has made history by recognizing the professionalism of women racers," said AFCC co-president Marion Clinier.

"This will allow the racers to focus on cycling, improve their skills, and help our country win more medals. It is time for France to recognize women cyclists at this level.

"When you race with a professional contract, in France there is social security. The fact that women are professionals also gives them an advantage when signing other contracts (houses, loans, etc.)," Crignet told Cycling News.

Currently, there is no specification that includes a second-tier continental team, and there is no similar two-tier structure or world team in mountain biking. Crignet said that while the AFCC organization is currently focused on road, in the future he would like to set up a Cahier des Charges for UCI Continental teams.

FCF President Michel Caro said he was pleased to see the professional recognition of the country's female road cyclists, who are signed with Women's WorldTeams.

"This is another important step forward in the development of the professional structure of women's cycling.