Olympic Gold Medallist, Victoria Pendleton, was joined by 800 women of all cycling abilities to pedal 40km around the scenic roads of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in the first of two Cycletta events for 2011 sponsored by Sky Ride. Cycletta events are designed to encourage more women to enjoy cycling and fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Research. The second event, , takes place on 2nd October, starting at Cheshire's Tatton Park.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo provided the perfect start venue for all participants with inspiring words from Olympic Champion, Victoria, to kick things off. 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 to boost satisfaction for completing the route.
The cyclists pedalled through the rural villages of Ivinghoe, Cheddington, Mentmore and Slapton. Along the route, there was an amazing buzz of excitement generated by cyclists and supporting spectators. Cyclists were also supported along the way by mechanics, medics and feed stations.
Finisher times ranged from a speedy hour and a quarter to over three hours with Victoria taking her time enjoying the route and talking to participants on the way round, with 75% taking part in their first ever cycling event.
The second Cycletta event is on Sunday 2nd October in Cheshire and starts at the stunning Tatton Park. Another superb venue and close to the home of British Cycling and the velodrome where Victoria honed her cycling skills. Places are still available for those wishing to take part via the event website www.cycletta.co.uk.
Olympic medallist Victoria said "It was such a privilege to ride alongside 100s women in Cycletta South. 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, said: "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."
To join in the female cycling revolution and for more information www.cycletta.co.uk
