'Women's cycling is a sink-or-swim situation' - Cynisca seeking $1 million to step up target of Tour de France Femmes in 2026

QUAREGNON, BELGIUM - MARCH 04: Tess Edwards of the United States, Alexis Magner of the United States, Febe Poppe of Belgium, Chloe Patrick of the United States, Caoimhe O'Brien of Ireland, Kaitlyn Rauwerda of Canada and Cynisca Cycling prior to the 14th Le Samyn des Dames 2025 a 122km one day race from Quaregnon to Dour on March 04, 2025 in Quaregnon, Belgium. (Photo by Rhode Van Elsen/Getty Images).

This week, the US-based women's Continental team Cynisca Cycling sent out a plea for $1 million in sponsorship before August 15 to help the team "keep their dream alive". Why August 15? Cynisca's General Manager Robin Farina explained to Cyclingnews that the funds will help the team step up to the ProTeam level so they can aim for an invitation to the Tour de France Femmes in 2026.

"We're not closing down shop right now or in the near future," Farina said. "We have support and are working hard to keep the program running because it's a priority for us.