Menstruation in professional cycling: a topic shrouded in silence, yet it profoundly impacts athletes' performance and well-being. It’s time to break the stigma and treat it as a natural part of the sport. Former world champion Lotte Kopecky is leading the charge, boldly advocating for open conversations about how menstruation affects cyclists. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its significance, the topic remains awkwardly avoided, especially when male coaches are involved. Shouldn’t this be a fundamental aspect of training female athletes? Kopecky thinks so.
In a candid interview on the Café Koers podcast, Kopecky shared her own struggles: “I used to suffer a lot—my body retained fluid, and if it coincided with a major event, it became a real challenge.” Her advice? “Learn to understand your body, and don’t hesitate to seek help.” Yet, she highlights the embarrassment that persists, particularly in male-dominated coaching environments. “As a male coach, you need to dive into this topic if you’re training women. It’s not a taboo—it’s part of the job,” she asserts.
This issue gained further urgency after EF Education-Oatly rider Veronica Ewers announced her retirement in 2026 to recover from RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a condition linked to hormonal imbalances often exacerbated by extreme training and dietary demands. In a raw Substack post, Ewers revealed, “I haven’t had my period since 2014. My bones are weak, my gastrointestinal health is compromised.” Her story underscores the physical toll of ignoring these issues.
And this is the part most people miss: menstruation isn’t just a personal inconvenience—it’s a performance factor. At the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, Kim Le Court made headlines by winning a stage while menstruating. “My body was more tired than usual, but I pushed through,” she said, shedding light on the resilience women cyclists often display. Yet, reactions to such openness remain mixed, with many still brushing it off as insignificant.
Former pro Marijn de Vries recalls a stark contrast from her racing days: “Back then, it was crucial not to menstruate—you were too thin for it to happen. Now, it’s the opposite; it’s seen as a sign of health.” Justine Ghekiere, Le Court’s teammate, adds, “We have dedicated team meetings to discuss this openly.” But is the cycling world truly ready to embrace this shift?
Here’s the bold question: Why does a natural biological process still feel like a secret in sports? Should athletes and coaches alike be more vocal about its impact? Or is this a private matter best kept behind closed doors? Let’s spark the conversation—share your thoughts below.
