The People Shaping Cycling at LOOK Cycle

The Road to Progress

Cycling has long been a sport of endurance—not just on the road or track, but in the journey toward true inclusivity. The industry is evolving, but progress is rarely linear. Women’s cycling has gained significant visibility, and more women than ever are making their mark—not just as athletes, but as leaders, engineers, marketers, and ambassadors. However, challenges remain, and the reality of working in the cycling world is still different for men and women.

For International Women’s Day, we have brought together voices from across our community—professional athletes, team managers, brand ambassadors, and employees, both male and female—to share their perspectives on equality, representation, and the future of cycling.

Some have dedicated their careers to the sport, like Céline Hutsebaut, General Manager of Lapierre Racing Unity, who grew up in a family of cycling enthusiasts and is now leading a UCI World Series team. Others, like Martina Zagar, who works in LOOK Cycle’s commercial team, combine their professional careers with a deep personal passion for cycling—she’s also the French National Champion in her age group. Mathilde Gros, a former World Champion on the track, knows the importance of visibility, while Kim Gintrand is using digital platforms to highlight women’s participation in gravel riding.

Even within LOOK Cycle itself, people like Lucie Maizières, a Production Manager, and Antonin Liverset, a Brand Marketing Manager, are working behind the scenes to create a more inclusive cycling industry—where opportunity is based on skill, not gender.

Together, their stories offer a candid look at where cycling stands today and what still needs to change.

Creating a Level Playing Field in Sport

For many of the athletes we spoke to, equality in cycling isn’t just about having more women in the sport—it’s about how they are supported once they get there.

“Parity isn’t just about numbers,” says Céline Hutsebaut. “It’s about recognising the physiological specificities of female athletes and making sure they have what they need to perform at their best.”

Marion Borras, a professional cyclist with the Cofidis Women’s Team, echoes this sentiment. “Without structured competitions, the right resources, and fair salaries, progress remains limited. We’re moving in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done.”

And it’s not just women who see the need for change. Antonin Liverset believes the cycling industry must continue to challenge biases. “Cycling has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated sport, but that perception is shifting. The more we support female athletes—not just in terms of participation, but in visibility and opportunity—the more the sport will grow.”

For Kim Gintrand, visibility is everything. “The more women we see in cycling, the more women will feel encouraged to join. It’s why brands like LOOK Cycle play such an important role—helping to highlight women’s achievements and challenge outdated stereotypes.”

Beyond the Athlete: The Women Driving the Industry

The push for equality isn’t just happening in the peloton—it’s happening behind the scenes, too.

At LOOK Cycle, Lucie Maizières has carved out a career in production management, moving quickly into leadership. “I’ve always been drawn to operational roles and working closely with teams,” she says. “I love the brand, the variety of products, and the career growth opportunities. Talent is recognised here, and that’s what really matters.”

Martina Zagar, who has spent nearly a decade in LOOK Cycle’s commercial team, shares a similar view. “I love working for a brand with such a rich history and internationally recognised expertise,” she says. But her professional path has not always been easy. “During one hiring process, I was asked if I planned to have children. That’s a question men are rarely, if ever, asked.”

Despite the obstacles, she believes the industry is evolving. “Cycling is an exciting sector with plenty of opportunities. If you’re passionate about it, go for it.”

And while gender should never be a barrier, Mélanie Garreau, Director of HR & Organisation at LOOK Cycle, acknowledges that certain biases still exist. “Recently, we promoted a woman to Production Manager and hired women in Quality and Logistics roles—positions that were traditionally male-dominated. These are steps in the right direction.”

The Power of Representation

For young women looking to enter the sport—whether as athletes or in professional roles—seeing others succeed is key.

“I want people to stop seeing a ‘woman’ or a ‘man’ and instead see an athlete,” says Mathilde Gros, former World Champion and French track cyclist. “True equality means meeting each individual’s needs, regardless of gender.”

One way she’s pushing for change is through social media, where she shares not just the highs of being an elite cyclist, but the struggles, too. “It’s important to show the reality—not just the victories, but the challenges, the setbacks, and the work that goes into competing at this level.”

For Céline Hutsebaut, representation is just as crucial in leadership. “One thing I want to shift in my community is the idea that leadership roles are reserved for men. We need to break that mindset.”

It’s a belief that Antonin Liverset shares: “The more we challenge outdated ideas and create balanced opportunities, the stronger the industry becomes. It’s about recognising talent, no matter where it comes from.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Women in Cycling?

While progress has been made, every person we spoke to agreed—there’s still work to be done.

For Lucie Maizières, that means making sure the next generation of women in cycling feel supported. “Whether it’s colleagues at work or young women entering the industry, we need to encourage, listen to, and support each other whenever possible.”

For Kim Gintrand, it’s about changing the way we think about performance. “A more thoughtful approach—taking into account the physiological needs of female athletes—benefits everyone, not just women.”

And for Mélanie Garreau, it’s about continuing to break down barriers. “Trust your skills, stay curious, and take the initiative. Passion and courage will always open doors.”

A Shared Commitment to Progress

Cycling is at a turning point. The sport is changing, the industry is shifting, and the people within LOOK Cycle’s community—whether on the road, in leadership, or behind the scenes—are driving that change.

From professional athletes advocating for equal opportunities to industry leaders breaking down barriers, these stories highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

At LOOK Cycle, we believe that courage, authenticity, passion, and excellence are the foundations of lasting change. And while there’s still work to be done, one thing is certain: women are not just part of the conversation—they are shaping the future of cycling.

Want to hear more from the incredible women (and men) at LOOK Cycle? Visit our LinkedIn page to discover each individual’s journey in more detail and join the conversation.