"Examining the upper echelons, there appears to be minimal progress": Persisting Diversity Issues in Cycling Sports
Overrepresentation of White Riders in UK Cycling Highlighted by Sparse Diversity in UCI Teams
A single British-registered rider of ethnic minorities competes in UCI teams in 2025, Sannah Zaman, who races for CJ O'Shea's women's UCI Continental team. Although Zaman appears to be the second British-registered cyclist of color in the modern era to race for a UCI team, following Maurice Burton's son, Germain Burton, who raced for JLT-Condor in 2018.
The UK's notable absence of ethnic diversity in road cycling is evident when comparing it to other elite sports. The Paris Olympic Games last year, saw 37% (25 of 67) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's athletics team comprising non-white athletes. In contrast, cycling, across all disciplines, only included one person of color in a squad of 36 riders (3%). Considering that almost one-fifth (18%) of the UK population is non-white, this disparity is striking.
The scarcity in ethnic representation amongst elite competitive cyclists in the UK is deterring or excluding those who do not have white skin. Sannah Zaman, a 21-year-old rider, began her cycling journey at a young age and noticed a decline in diversity amongst competitors as she progressed into road racing.
In light of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the global consciousness raised regarding ethnic minorities' subjugation and lack of representation in certain sectors, the issue of diversity in cycling came under debate. Tao Geoghegan Hart, winner of the 2020 Giro d'Italia, sponsored British-Grenadian rider Red Walters to race as a stagiaire with the successful development squad Hagens Berman-Axeon in 2021. However, the momentum behind diversity seems to have waned since 2020, with few changes evident among the top-level racers.
Walters, who has since moved to Portuguese amateur team Obidos, spoke about the lack of diversity at races, stating, "I try not to think about the whole diversity aspect." UK bike racing in a predominantly white environment, where the rare rider of color struggles to blend in. Richard Liston, head coach at Islington Cycling Club, one of London's biggest competitive clubs, located in a highly diverse community, noted the lack of people from ethnic minorities progressing through the ranks. Liston believes the barrier to entry is chiefly the cost of competition.
The dearth of diversity in cycling could go deeper than economics or the absence of role models, with attitudes, beliefs, and culture within the cycling community in the UK playing an understated role. Andy Edwards, author of the Diversity in Cycling report, points to eliteism as a significant deterrent for people of diverse backgrounds to engage in clubs and competition. Edwards describes cycling as the "new golf," portraying itself as the preserve of certain people wearing specific garments and riding certain bikes.
British Cycling, the national governing body, recognizes the lack of representation at the top level and has made inclusivity and accessibility the centerpiece of its new strategy, aiming to reflect the nation's demographics by the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. Since launching the City Academies initiative, the number of riders from ethnic minorities who have been coached by British Cycling has increased from 6% to 15%. Jonathan Dutton, British Cycling CEO, acknowledged the long-term challenge of ensuring representation across all levels of the sport and the need for consistent investment in community programs, education, and athlete support.
To encourage change, new clubs and groups with an inclusive ethos are emerging at the grassroots level. Dan Challis, who specializes in global cycling stories beyond Europe, highlighted the efforts of riders like Sannah Zaman, Red Walters, and Deetray Jarrett, who are inspiring a new, more diverse generation of British cyclists.
- Despite the significant representation of ethnic minorities in athletics, road racing in the UK shows a stark contrast with only 3% of cyclists being racially diverse, as compared to nearly one-fifth (18%) of the UK population.
- To promote a more diverse cycling community in the UK, stakeholders are focusing on grassroots initiatives, with riders like Sannah Zaman, Red Walters, and Deetray Jarrett inspiring a new generation, aligning with British Cycling's aim to reflect the nation's demographics by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
