Female riders protest at USA Cycling Pro Road Championship against US Supreme court judgement

The 1973 Roe v Wade decision, which had guaranteed constitutional protections for abortion in the nation for almost 50 years, was overturned by the US Supreme Court, thus terminating the constitutional right to seek abortion services. The majority of the women's peloton protested the US Supreme Court judgment by kneeling during the national anthem before the start of the women's criterium at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Yesterday marked a monumental step backward for constitutional protection of human rights in the USA. To me, it felt wrong to line up for our National Championship criterium on the very same day of the announcement and not acknowledge it," Brenna Wrye-Simpson told Cyclingnews.

"We as athletes receive a lot of attention and respect from the public. Taking a moment to express our dissent, for ourselves and also the public who may be present or watching, was not optional for me. The solidarity was powerful. The gesture is hopefully just that, a moment that will inspire more to act, to call their representatives, to donate to funds, and to vote," she added. 

The Criterium race was won by Kendall Ryan as L39ION of Los Angeles wrapped up the complete podium in the race. This Sunday the national championships will end as the women's and men's peloton will race the Elite road race events.