Welsh Cycling welcomes Breeze network this autumn

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Welsh Cycling is proud to announce that Breeze, the award winning women’s participation programme is coming to Wales this autumn. 

Women’s cycling in Wales has taken off in the last few years. With Welsh cycling champions like Becky James, Elinor Barker and Manon Carpenter doing it for the girls on the world stage, Welsh Cycling want to get more women on bikes as part of their vision to inspire Wales to cycle.  

Georgina Harper, the National Development Manager for Welsh Cycling stated: “It is an exciting time for cycling in Wales and we are pleased to be able to offer a participation pathway in Wales for women who simply want to ride their bike in the company of other women and led by female ride leaders.”

Breeze offers women flexible, safe, accessible and fun opportunities to ride a bike as well as training and support. The rides are organised by British Cycling trained local Breeze champions; female volunteers who lead the cycle rides, and aim to fit around busy work and family lives, they are free, friendly and open to women of all ages and abilities.

Funded in partnership by Sport Wales and British Cycling it will be run as a pilot in year one within Swansea, Cardiff, Newport and Monmouthshire and then subject to further funding will roll out nationally across Wales from autumn 2015.

Sport Wales CEO, Sarah Powell said: “We’re pleased that with British Cycling the Breeze programme will be extending into Wales. Shrinking the participation gap in sport between men and women is central to Sport Wales strategy and the opportunity to invest in programmes such as this will help us achieve this outcome.

“We have a strong evidence base behind us with our Active Adult survey telling us that more women want to be taking part in cycling activities more often, so we are responding to a known demand.  We believe that through providing specific and targeted opportunities we can get Welsh women back on their bikes and enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

As part of the pilot, 60 Welsh Breeze champions will undergo training and receive support from the Breeze network. If you are confident on a bike and interested in becoming a Breeze Champion, register your interest here. The first Breeze Champion training course in Wales will be held on Saturday 11 October 2014 at Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff with the first Breeze bike rides rolling out shortly after.

For more information regarding Breeze in Wales contact Cat Crimmins, Breeze Coordinator on 01633 274691 or at breeze@welshcycling.co.uk