New Black Cyclones

An exploration of racism and anti-racism in the world of professional cycling in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

How has racism, anti-racism and the representation of cycling changed since the Black Lives Matter movement? What could be the potential force of cycling movements across the world coming together as ‘New Black Cyclones’?

This is a call for a revolution by the global Black cycling community to reform the sport and for changing the way cycling is seen.

Despite the rise of anti-racism in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, professional cycling is still predominately a white and European-centred sport. Former international racing cyclist Marlon Lee Moncrieffe and author of the award-winning Desire, Discrimination, Determination – Black Champions in Cycling examines how the industry is tackling racism within the sport today.

Sharing his experiences and learnings from his journeys across the UK, the USA and the African continent, Moncrieffe brings together the voices of Black cycling cultures. He speaks to Black elite and professional riders, members of national cycling bodies, commentators, grassroots riders, community leaders, teachers and activists, discovering how they are disrupting the sport’s white-led norms of power.

In response to his commentary and evidence, Moncrieffe invites us to critically consider the past, present and future of the sport. What transformations, if any, towards equality in Black representation and empowerment are happening in the world of cycling – and particularly in the highest realms of the sport? What could be the potential force of Black cycling movements across the world converging as ‘New Black Cyclones’ in reforming how the sport is seen and known?