Cycling club in Bath encourages more women racers to compete at new circuit

Cycling club in Bath encourages more women racers to compete at new circuit

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Event: 18 June 2013
Location: Odd Down Cycling Circuit Bloomfield Road, Bath


In response to British Cycling’s initiative to inspire one million more women to cycle by 2020, members of a cycling community in Bath are encouraging more women to take part in the Tuesday evening race nights being held at the new cycling circuit at Odd Down Playing Fields.

Above: Women's racing is thriving at Tameside circuit in Greater Manchester. Velo Club Walcot is keen on creating a similarly vibrant picture at Odd Down.

With the second women’s race set to take place on Tuesday 18 June, Laurie Chalk of Velo Club Walcot is hoping more women will be inspired to compete. Laurie said:

“We want to offer and connect with women out there who would genuinely like to race. Lots of clubs, including ourselves, have rides where women take part. But we believe there should equally be opportunity for racing, which is why we have included a women’s race as an integral part of the program. There are few opportunities in the South Region for promoting this set up and we are really hoping that by hosting women’s races we will, over time, encourage more participation.”

"There are few opportunities in the South Region for promoting this set up and we are really hoping that by hosting women’s races we will, over time, encourage more participation."

Laurie Chalk of Velo Club Walcot

To take part women don’t have to be a professional racer or have a state of the art bike, although they will need a road bike that is maintained and in good working order. Participants will also need a race licence, which can be purchased annually from British Cycling at a cost of £34, or alternatively Day Licence can be bought at the venue on the evening of the race. Generally there is a minimum age of 18, and wearing a cycle helmet is essential.

Women can pre-enter online for the second women’s race plus all of the other events at Odd Down Playing Fields here.

Online entry for races on 18 June closes at midnight on Sunday 16 June, but where spaces are available participants can enter on the evening. If people have any queries or want to learn more about race opportunities, not just for women but also young people and men, contact Velo Club Walcot via their website at: http://www.vc-walcot.com/ or on Twitter @VeloclubWalcot

You can read more about British Cycling’s plans to help change the cycling landscape for women and girls and get one million more on their bikes by 2020 at: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/women