Written by Claudia Neumeister
On March 10, the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg marked International Women’s Day by hosting an inspiring conversation with Luxembourg’s most decorated cyclist, Christine Majerus. The event, aligned with the BCC’s tradition of celebrating outstanding women in Luxembourg, shed light on the challenges and triumphs of women in professional cycling and beyond.
The Invisible Struggle of Women’s Cycling
Christine Majerus captivated the audience by testing their knowledge of female cyclists—a stark reminder of how underrepresented women’s cycling remains in mainstream media. Despite their talent and dedication, women in the sport still fight for visibility and equal recognition.
She highlighted the long-standing disparity between men’s and women’s cycling. “Until recently, women didn’t even have a Tour de France,” she noted. Financial inequities also persist: while minimum salaries were introduced for women’s cycling only in recent years, they still earn significantly less than their male counterparts. However, Majerus emphasized that the biggest difference is not talent—it’s opportunity.
Parallels Between Sport and Business
Majerus drew insightful connections between professional sports and the business world, highlighting the shared need for resilience, strategic decision-making, and teamwork. Success is never constant, but challenges always are.
Reflecting on her journey, she recounted how winning the Tour de France Féminin was not just her victory, but a team effort. Cycling, like business, requires trust, patience, and leadership. Leaders in both fields must understand that success is built on a foundation of collaboration.
Overcoming Barriers: A Personal Journey
Majerus never envisioned a career in cycling—she wanted to be a teacher, inspired by her parents. “We do what we see,” she said, explaining how the absence of female role models in professional cycling delayed her realization that she could pursue the sport seriously. She initially started in triathlons, only transitioning to cycling later. “Because I didn’t see it, I lost years.”
Her advice? Follow your heart, even when it doesn’t seem like the logical choice. When she started cycling, it wasn’t financially rewarding, but she persevered because of passion and dedication.
The Power of Teamwork and Leadership
Majerus underscored the importance of team dynamics—in cycling, business, and life. While only one person crosses the finish line first, an entire team contributes to that victory. Behind every great athlete is a network of teammates, coaches, family, and sponsors. Without collective effort, individual success is impossible.
Leadership, she explained, is about trust, respect, and communication. Effective leaders don’t just issue commands—they listen, value their team members, and create an environment of honesty and inclusivity. “Words and relationships are crucial. A simple ‘well done’ can make someone’s day.”
The Challenges Women Athletes Face
Women’s cycling continues to struggle with lack of recognition and sponsorship. The media coverage remains minimal, not because female cyclists lack skill, but because people simply don’t know about them. Majerus has had to actively advocate for herself and her peers, telling her story and ensuring that women’s achievements in cycling don’t go unnoticed.
Another major issue is safety. “Every time I get on my bike, I risk my life,” she stated, referencing the dangers of sharing roads with cars. Unlike male cyclists who often enjoy greater respect and safer conditions, women frequently face additional risks on the road.
Then there’s the sacrifice. Majerus has spent over 150 days per year away from home, following a rigid routine of train, eat, sleep, repeat. Professional cycling is grueling, and failure is a constant companion. But the moments of victory—seeing pride in her family’s eyes—made it all worthwhile. However, when she no longer saw that shine in their eyes, she knew it was time to rethink her journey.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
Despite stepping back from competitive cycling, Majerus is committed to leaving a lasting impact. “The next generation can only do what they see,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of representation. By raising awareness without igniting conflict, she advocates for progress through collaboration between women and men in the sport.
Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to her, but she steps out of her comfort zone to inspire and show the way forward. Challenges, she believes, are opportunities for growth, both in sport and life.
A Legacy of Resilience
Christine Majerus’ journey is one of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers. Her story resonates beyond the world of cycling—it’s a testament to the power of visibility, the necessity of opportunity, and the strength of teamwork.
Her message to aspiring athletes, professionals, and leaders alike is clear: work hard, support one another, and never underestimate the power of representation.
With trailblazers like Majerus, the future of women’s sports—and leadership—looks brighter than ever.
Claudia Neumeister is Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg and the founder of Luxdates.
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