Breeze – the recreational cycling programme for women from British Cycling – won two awards at last night’s Total Women’s Cycling Awards, hosted on the opening night of The London Bike Show.

The Breeze team’s work on inspiring women to get back on two wheels was recognised with them scooping the ‘Cycling Initiative of the Year’ title at Thursday’s awards ceremony.

Breeze has seen thousands of women dust off their bikes and get involved since the programme first launched back in 2011. Breeze rides, organised and led by trained volunteer British Cycling Breeze champions, encourage and support women to get out on their bikes all year round.

It was a double celebration as Breeze Champion Sara Braidwood was later named ‘Unsung Cycling Heroine’.

Having completed her training to become a Breeze champion in 2011, Sara has organised and led over 80 rides to date, helping over 500 women to get out on their bikes across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Natalie Justice, Breeze Network Project Manager said:

“It’s amazing that Breeze is so highly regarded for the great work it does to get women riding their bikes. We are truly honoured and humbled to receive this award, and what makes it so special, is knowing that all the votes are from the general public.

“Sara’s award is fully deserved and fantastic recognition of the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm our amazing volunteer champions put in to make Breeze such a success.”

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Breeze programme since its inception, including our funders Sport England and the army of Breeze champions, without whom we wouldn’t be enjoying this success.”