In an unprecedented move, this year’s U23 Tour de France will introduce a women’s race, a landmark moment that carries immense significance in our sport. The pathway to equality should not be underestimated. It hasn’t been one moment, but a series of watershed moments over the last 50 years that have changed sport. Forever. This change is often driven by the outspoken-athlete. Those willing to go against the mainstream. To risk censure. The Radicals.
The women that changed sport.
Forever.
50 years
In the making
Over the last 50 years, there have been notable inflections points that have changed the course of women’s elite sport. Most of these have been driven by courageous radicals.
How we got here.
1967
boston
261
1972
Title Ix
2019
USWNT
2022
Paris
22
1967
boston
261
1972
Title Ix
2019
USWNT
2022
Paris
22
Boston marathon
The defiance of a woman that changed endurance sports.
In 1967, Katherine Switzer defied a ban on women participants and became the first female to officially finish the Boston Marathon. Her bold move shattered stereotypes and sparked a global shift, leading to women's marathons becoming a standard in international athletics. Her story remains an inspiring testament to breaking barriers in sports.
Entered as K.V. Switzer to avoid notoriety, and when officials realized a woman was running, the Race Director tried to physically remove her from the race. She managed to complete the marathon.
Title iX
Transformative legislation for women in elite sport.
Title IX, a 1972 U.S. federal law, banned sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools. It revolutionized school sports by providing women equal opportunities. Female participation soared after its enforcement, leading to successful female athletes and robust women's sports programs. Today, Title IX stands as a pivotal force for gender equality in sports.
Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Title IX was groundbreaking, and it helped to make the issue a national priority.
Us women’s Soccer team
Taking the biggest sport in the world to court. And winning.
The US Women’s Soccer Team championed gender equality by suing the US Soccer Federation in 2019. They claimed unequal pay and resources compared to male counterparts. The lawsuit was resolved with the USSF agreeing to equal pay and resources for the women’s team.
Megan Rapinoe was the captain of the US women’s soccer team in 2019, and was a vocal advocate for the lawsuit.
Paris 22
Tour de France Femmesdefines a new era of cycling.
The Tour de France Femmes began in 1984, paused in 1989, and relaunched in 2022. It's a significant stride for gender equality in cycling, offering women a chance in a prestigious and well-supported race. Marianne Vos, a revered Dutch cyclist, passionately supports the event, calling it a "dream come true" and is helping to elevate its global visibility.
Annemiek van Vleuten on the way to yellow in Paris.
l’Avenir is here
In 2023, the biggest race in U23-cycling, the Tour de l’Avenir will have an elite women’s race for the first time. This inclusion has been driven by the athletes and stakeholders of our sport. A small moment, with massive repercussions.
“Why it took so long”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
“Little girls can now dream”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
“Ultimately, money talks”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
“Why it took so long”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
“Little girls can now dream”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
“Ultimately, money talks”
The Tour de l’Avenir is affectionately known as the U23 Tour de France. In 2022, Black Sheep became official clothing provider of the race that defines the many of the future greats.
Celebrating this monumental shift in sport. Meticulously crafted, the Future Radicals Collection draws its design inspiration from our signature Racing and WMN Garments.
Through our Future Project Initiative, 20% of sales will be donated to Tour de l’Avenir. Supporting both women & men and promoting a brighter cycling future.