Breeze Challenge Event Just Four Weeks Away
British Cycling’s Breeze network and Preston City Council are counting the days as this year’s inaugural Breeze Challenge Events quickly draw upon us. With just four weeks before hundreds of women take to the streets of Preston for the challenge ride, there’s a still lot to get excited about as well as get involved in the fun yourself.
In response to calls from within the women’s recreational cycling community for greater ride options and more challenging rides, British Cycling introduced Breeze Challenge Events, providing women increased endurance ride options. The Breeze Challenge Events are tailored to extend the social culture of the Breeze network, while providing an opportunity for riders to come together and celebrate all the success and growth of women’s cycling.
This first year of Breeze Challenge Events will see two events staged in Coventry & Warwickshire on Sunday 5 October and in Preston & Lancashire on Sunday 12 October. With both a 50km and a 100km route at each event, it is hoped such a choice will enable a broad range of riders the opportunity to take part in the challenge ride, whether a first time sportive rider or a more seasoned cyclist.
With just over a month to go before the events, there is still time to get involved. With Breeze Challenge Event training rides scheduled all over the country, and excitement building on social media forums, there really hasn’t ever been a better time to get on your bike. With tips, advice and support available on the Breeze Challenge Website and Breeze network social media pages, a chance to win a signed Team GB cycling jersey and a great day in store, surely this is a must for all women cycling enthusiasts?
However, the fun isn’t just reserved for the riders. A Breeze Challenge Event Village is being staged at UCLan Sports Arena, hosting activities and entertainment for families and spectators. With sports taster sessions; free local guided bike rides; cycle obstacle course; circus skills; pedal-powered smoothies and jukebox; bouncy castles; face painting; arts & crafts; along with a host of other stalls and activities, the Event Village will provide the start and finish locations to the rides themselves, as well as a great base from which to enjoy the day.
Natalie Justice, Women’s Network Project Manager at British Cycling, said: “Whether you’re an experienced endurance rider, or looking to push yourself to the next level, these Breeze Challenge Events will not only provide great riding, but even greater fun.
“We can’t wait to welcome our riders to the day, as well as see everyone enjoying themselves at the Event Village. It will be a fantastic day for women’s recreational cycling, and I hope many people come and enjoy the fun.”
Breeze network ambassador and Commonwealth Gold medallist, Lizzie Armistead added: “As a proud ambassador for British Cycling’s Breeze programme, I’ve been so pleased to see these new events taking shape. We need more challenge rides like this – it’s so important for showcasing women’s cycling.
“We hope to see as many people enjoying the day as possible – you’re going to be part of something really special!”
Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Veronica Afrin, said: “This type of event is a very welcome addition to the Preston calendar, and I’m sure women from far and wide will want to sign up and see for themselves the picturesque Lancashire landscape.
“I am very proud that the council is involved in this partnership with British Cycling and we are able to offer a fantastic day out for riders, their families and spectators alike.”
To sign up or find out more about Breeze Challenge Events, visit www.breezechallenge.com
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For more information, please contact: Duncan Millin – [email protected]