Breeze Challenge being launched in Preston

Preston is set to become the centre of women’s cycling for a Sunday in October.

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The Breeze Challenge Event will see hundreds of women join in two rides starting from the city.

A 50km and 100km route are available which showcase the best of Lancashire’s beautiful countryside.

The starting point is the UCLan Sports Arena on Tom Benson Way.

The 50km route heads up to Bilsborrow and then round to Inglewhite and then back via Broughton and Woodplumpton.

For those fancying the 100km route it will head up to the Fylde Coast and Wyre Valley.

Natalie Justice, Women’s Network Project Manager at British Cycling, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the inaugural Breeze Challenge Events this October. It’s fantastic to see our community of recreational cyclists so engaged with the Breeze network and we’re delighted to be able to respond for calls for increased ride options in this way.

“The response has been amazing and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate the gains of women’s recreational cycling, as well as the growth and success the Breeze network has achieved over the last few years.

“We look forward to welcoming women cyclists from all over the UK to the events in October in what will, no doubt, be a great day.”

Registration for the event is via the Breeze Challenge website and it takes place on Sunday 12 October.

The event is backed by Prestom City Council.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Veronica Afrin, said: “I am very proud that Preston has been chosen to host this new event, giving women even more new and exciting opportunities to get involved in cycling. Thanks to the continued partnership work between the council and British Cycling, Preston can sustain its cycling offer at the heart of Lancashire.”

You can watch a video clip below explaining what the Breeze Challenge is, or if you’re on our app click here to watch

The launch event of the Breeze Challenge at the UCLan Sports Arena was attended by ex-athlete Tanja Slater.

She said: “The recent coverage of women’s sport, and cycling in particular, is very exciting and raises its profile.

“With the Breeze Challenge Event in Lancashire, starting in Preston my home city, this is the next step for women to challenge themselves to take their cycling to another level.

“There’s still time to sign up and complete the training programme, to get you ready for either 50km or 100km, so I look forward to meeting you on the day.”

Will you be taking part? Let us know in the comments below