(Julia Paternain after her shocking bronze medal. Photo: World Athletics)
2. Wait, tell me more about this Battle of the Sexes II
After taking home $5 million in prize money for winning the U.S. Open (and becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to defend her title), Aryna Sabalenka's next objective: A match against Nick Kyrgios the first week of January that's being billed as the "Battle of the Sexes II."
Why? Hard to say.
The two are friends and share the same management agency. The exhibition match, likely to be played in Hong Kong, is being billed as good for women's sports and a fun trash-talking battle. Kyrgios has, notably, said he doesn't think he'll have to try 100% in order to beat her and that he's representing the men's field — a notion other male tennis players have taken issue with.
For her part, in her post-U.S. Open press conference and on a podcast with Jay Shetty, Sabalenka has said it'll be fun, a good show for fans, and great for women's tennis — and that she plans to kick his ass!
Who is Nick Kyrgios? The Australian was ranked as high as #13 in the world, but has missed most of the last three years with injuries.
🎧 LISTEN: We discuss whether or not we really need a 2.0 version of this on last week's The Feist podcast episode
🎾 FUN-ER U.S. OPEN FACTS: The women's championships match in New York averaged 2.4 million viewers on ESPN & since 2023 the trophies for the men's and women's champions have been the same size (but that wasn't always the case!)
3. Annual survey of female pro cyclists: Progress, but the gap is widening
Every year, The Cyclists' Alliance — the association for female pro cyclists — conducts a survey of pro riders to gauge where salaries, sponsorship, team contracts are at and to understand what major issues are of concern for the riders. The survey is now in its 8th year, so it also offers a picture of how women's cycling has changed and evolved in that time.
What it shows us this year is that: 📈 Salaries, contracts, and conditions at the top are improving, but as things get better for the top of the sport, the gap between them and the developing riders is getting bigger. Is it too big a gulf to cross now?
- 54% of riders now say they're able to make a living at cycling
Only 19% of all riders need a second job — which compared to 52% back in 2017 is a big jump up!
But outside of the World Tour and Pro Teams, 80% of riders in the lower tiers are still making less than €20,000/year — up from 64% last year
And, when you look at the three levels of professional cyclists, the concerns are very different. When asked what drives them out of the sport:
Continental level riders: Financial instability
Pro team riders: Burnout and mental health challenges
World Tour riders: Dangerous racing conditions
🧠 LEARN MORE: Read the full report from TCA
🎧 LISTEN: For an in-depth discussion on the findings and where cycling can go from here, check out today's Feist podcast episode
🚲 YOUR TURN: We need a quick favor from the riders in our community. If you bike—whether it’s for commuting, fitness, or just for fun—we need your input! Take this 90-second short survey and be entered for a chance to win one of our Feisty courses ($129 value).
|
