Women in the cycling industry will be brought together later this month at the Sea Otter Classic as Uplift, the mentorship programme for women in the cycling industry, comes to the US for the first time. Featuring a live panel discussion and networking event at the iconic show in Monterey, California on April 19th, the event will provide an inclusive platform for cycling professionals to come together, share ideas and expand their connections.

Hosted in partnership between SHIFT Active Media, Feisty Media, Rusch Ventures and Zwift, the event will discuss the topic of women’s representation in the cycling industry and explore how women at all levels of the bike business can connect, support and learn from each other, and ultimately stay within the industry and develop their careers - a vision shared by all partners involved.

SHIFT Active Media, is a data-driven marketing agency dedicated to cycling and the great outdoors, and is the creator of Uplift. The mentorship programme is one of a number of women-focused initiatives led by SHIFT Active Media which sits under the ‘Breaking Boundaries’ agenda.

Feisty Media is the all-in-one media platform designed to entertain and educate active women on all topics related to women's sport and health.

Zwift, the lead sponsor of the Tour de France Femmes, significantly amplifying the visibility and support for women’s cycling worldwide.

Rebecca Rusch, of Rusch Ventures is a world champion athlete, mountain bike and gravel cycling Hall of Famer and icon in the sports industry. As a trailblazer and one the most decorated endurance cyclists in the world, her work has inspired and impacted countless women to find confidence and connection through cycling.

Born from a desire and need to provide an opportunity for more women in the cycling industry to meetup and connect, SHIFT Active Media’s Head of Marketing and Uplift Founder, Rachael Burnside, will be joined on stage by four pioneers in the industry. Together they will discuss topics including navigating a predominantly male industry, offer advice and tips for building confidence, growing networks and much more.

Confirmed speakers who will join Rachael on stage for the Uplift Industry Meetup include Rebecca Rusch, Athlete & Founder, Rusch Ventures. Kate Veronneau, Director of Women's Strategy, Zwift. Former Pro Cyclist. Anne-Marije Rook, Journalist, Cycling Weekly. Former Elite Cyclist. Lisa Bourne, Cycling Advocate / Former Zwift Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Social Impact.

Rachael Burnside, Uplift Founder and Head of Marketing and Growth, SHIFT Active Media, said: “The reception Uplift has had so far is incredible, I can’t wait to welcome this amazing lineup of women who share the same vision as we do at Uplift.

Rebecca Rusch, Athlete & Founder, Rusch Ventures, said: “15 years ago, at my first Sea Otter Classic, I was a new cycling pro surrounded by few female athletes. Feeling intimidated by my lack of knowledge and connections, I realised the need for support and community among fellow women cyclists.

In response, I launched a national series of events offering women the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired to ride. Currently, as a female business owner in the cycling industry, I recognize a similar need for connection, education, and empowerment for women working or wanting to work in our field. Uplift aims to change this by fostering collaboration and community among women working in the cycling industry. Uplift marks a significant milestone in uniting top female leaders in the bike industry and is the beginning of a movement that will grow, thrive and change the future of the bike industry and I’m excited to be part of the movement.

Event details Date: Friday 19th April Time: 4-6pm Location: Sierra Nevada beer garden @ Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, California Agenda: Live panel & women’s networking happy hour

For further information about Uplift, please visit: shiftactivemedia.com/uplift