At this point in my time covering cyclocross I’ve bitten my tongue so much I’m surprised it’s still in one piece. Trek Bicycle’s decision to flip the schedule on its Waterloo World Cup schedule is one of those “not yet for public consumption” tidbits I’ve been dying to talk about, and now we can.
In 2017, the Waterloo World Cup became the first ever World Cup cyclocross event to offer women equal pay. A decision that has helped motivate the UCI management committee to put in place a plan to implement equal pay across all World Cup cyclocross events by the 2020/2021 season. In 2018, Trek ups the ante by being the first World Cup to move the women’s race to the last on the bill. A move that should focus more eyeballs on what, in recent history, has become the most exciting race of the day. My hope is that this action will result in a world cup calendar that alternates between the men’s and women’s race being last. A move that will further highlight the equality in excitement and professionalism of the two fields.
Feature photo © 2017 Bruce Buckley.
Here is Trek’s full announcement:
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(Waterloo, WI) – With registration for the Trek CX Cup now open to the public, Trek Bicycle has announced that it has moved the Women’s Elite race to the marquee position for the second-ever Telenet UCI World Cup Cyclo-cross Waterloo. Set for September 21-23, the Trek CX Cup will host a full slate of amateur racing on Trek’s World Cup cyclocross course located steps from the company’s global headquarters and development facility. In keeping with its tradition of providing free, reliable access to world class cycling, Trek will once again livestream the Telenet UCI World Cup Cyclo-cross Waterloo on the brand’s website, trekbikes.com.
The first—and only—World Cup to feature equal prize money for both the men’s and women’s professional fields, Trek has announced that it has made the decision to swap the order of Sunday’s main event so that the women’s race will receive the marquee position. The men’s elite race will begin on Sunday, September 23 at 13:30 Central US (20:30 CET) with the women’s race beginning at 15:15 Central US (22:15 CET).
“Trek’s decision to move the women’s event to the marquee spot is absolutely huge, one of the biggest changes we’ve seen at the world cup level, second only to equal pay last year,” said Trek athlete Ellen Noble. “This change sends the message to women athletes everywhere that we have a spot in this sport and our racing matters.”
“It’s undeniable that over the past few years, the women’s field has been incredibly exciting and the athletes have never been more compelling,” said Trek’s Director of Sports Marketing, Tim Vanderjeugd. “This move not only elevates the women’s race, but it provides a more compelling viewing experience for fans of the sport.”
Registration for the Trek CX Cup’s full weekend of amateur racing is open now. Registration and information is available at trekbikes.com/trekcxcup.
