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Over 800 women of all cycling abilities took part in the first Cycletta South last weekend.
Cycletta’s women-only mass participation rides were launched this year, with the next ride taking part in Cheshire on October 2nd, starting at Tatton Park. The Southern ride, covering 40km of countryside in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire and starting at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, took place on Sunday September 11th.
Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, the figurehead of the Cycletta series, took part in the ride, chatting with participants on the way round.
According to the organisers, 75 per cent of the riders at Cycletta were taking part in their first ever cycling event.
At the finish line participants were welcomed home with free massages, helmet hair remedy centre, a chill out area provided by Sky and British Cycling, a Cycletta bracelet and amazing goody bag. Along the route mechanics, medics and feed stations supported the riders.
"It was such a privilege to ride alongside 100s women in Cycletta South,” enthused Pendleton. “I was able to speak to lots of girls on the way round and the enthusiasm and atmosphere was infectious. It is great to see so many more women cycling, not just at Cycletta but every day, and we really hope this continues. Well done girls.”
Jo Dytch of Participate and project director of Cycletta added: “We are delighted that our first Cycletta, sponsored by Sky Ride event provided such a great environment for female cyclists of all abilities. Victoria Pendleton and the 100s women who took part should be proud to be part of the rapidly growing numbers of women enjoying the freedom of two wheels and bringing such enthusiasm to the event.
“Our aim is to have provided a catalyst that will see a social shift with 1,000s more women enjoying cycling across Britain over the coming years and from seeing the smiles on the faces today we are well on the way.”
The Cycletta rides are sponsored by Skyride and fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Research.
Images: RB create
