Welsh Cycling is pleased to announce that its British Cycling female membership has passed 1,000, a significant milestone to celebrate during Women in Sport week.

This summer, Welsh female cyclists brought home three medals from Rio. Elinor Barker became Olympic champion in the Team Pursuit, breaking the world record three times on her way to gold. Whilst Becky James collected two silver medals in the Keirin and Sprint, breaking the Olympic record in qualifying. Both athletes put in sensational performances, inspiring Wales to cycle.

Georgina Harper, National Development Manager at Welsh Cycling said: “Reaching 1,000 female members in Wales is a significant milestone for Welsh Cycling. It demonstrates that given the opportunity women will take part in cycling and make a commitment to the sport, as a competitive or leisure cyclist.

Having inspirational women like Becky and Elinor at the forefront of our sport helps to inspire more women to cycle. But it is the dedication and passion shown by our coaches, volunteers and Breeze Champions that are creating the opportunities for women to cycle in Wales.”

In October 2014, Welsh Cycling began a pilot of British Cycling’s Breeze Network in Wales; fun and social bike rides for women. During the pilot, more than 1,300 opportunities were created for women and girls to cycle. Following this success, Welsh Cycling rolled out a Wales wide She Cycles Wales programme.

Over the last two years, there has been a 57% increase in female membership of British Cycling in Wales. Of the 1,000 female members in Wales, 48% hold race licences that allows them to compete in competitive events throughout Wales and the rest of the UK. 50% of female members hold a ride membership – which is designed for commuters, sportive riders and leisure cyclists. The remaining 2% have a fan membership package. Welsh women represent 5% of the 20,000 female British Cycling members across the UK.

A major influence on the number of women participating in cycling and becoming a member has been Breeze Network and She Cycles Wales. Welsh Cycling has trained 125 Breeze Champions who are active in all corners of Wales, providing more than 4,500 opportunities per year to take part in a Breeze ride.

Throughout this Women in Sport week, there are activities taking place across Wales for women to take part in. The Beics Brenin Women’s MTB ride takes place on Friday 7 October, and a host of Breeze Bike Rides are being run by our Champions.

You can join the 1,000 women today, by signing up to any one of British Cycling’s membership packages – race, ride or fan. Full details on the wide range of benefits available to all three membership types are available here.