Trek Distributes $308,000 to Equalize Prize Money for Women and Men in Cycling Races, 2021-2025

A former Trek employee told Deignan she had received £50 because of Deignan's race wins, as Trek employees get money when women cyclists win. The CEO stated that Trek treats women the same way as men, paying them livable wages, providing the best equipment, great coaching, and taking good care of them. "We said we’re going to treat women the same way the men are treated," the CEO said.

"We’re going to pay them livable wages, we’re going to give them the best equipment, we’re going to give them great coaching. We’re going to take really good care of them the same way we take care of men. " Deignan noted that Trek's equal-prize-money effort was part of broader initiatives that changed the team's culture, creating a ripple effect of momentum and excitement among employees.

She recalled old-school staff in the sport learning to take women's cycling seriously because of Trek's commitment. The CEO said he learned of Trek topping off prize money at professional races from a note by cyclist Ellen van Dijk, who described it as meaningful beyond the financial value.

He emphasized that the company's impact on women's cycling extends through setting an example, multiplying its influence beyond just the Trek team.

Deignan acknowledged ongoing gaps in women's cycling, including media coverage, sponsorships, salaries, and training opportunities, despite progress like the introduction of a minimum wage in the last five or six years. She stated that becoming a professional athlete in every sense transforms performance. "There are definitely still gaps," Deignan said.

The CEO rejected quantifying returns on such investments narrowly, focusing instead on long-term purpose. He said companies often miss the broader value, and women's cycling remains one of Trek's proudest areas.