The women-only Cycletta cycling series has undergone an overhaul for 2012, with the closed-road format ditched and five new venues added.
Launched last year as short, traffic-free rides near Manchester and London, the new events will take place on open but quiet country lanes in places such as Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire and Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. Despite the changes, much of what made the series successful will remain, including a 40km route (80km at the Brighton and New Forest events, a ‘pamper zone’ at the finish line and the opportunity to ride with Cycletta ambassador and reigning Olympic Champion Victoria Pendleton.
"Being able to cycle with so many girls during Cycletta last year was one of my highlights of 2011,” said Pendleton. “2012 should be a special year and I really hope that thousands more women will join me on a bike this year. Cycletta is the perfect event to get on two wheels with the girls and have some fun! I hope to see you out there".
Entry, which is open now, ranges from £35 (Cornwall Festival of Sport), £42 (for all 40km routes) and £46 (all 80km routes). The full schedule is shown below and more information available from the Cycletta website.
- 13 May: Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire
- 24 June: Lydiard Park, Wiltshire
- Date TBC: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire
- 15 September (Festival of Sport): St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
- 30 September: Plumpton Racecourse, Brighton
- 7 October: Cheshire, Tatton Park
- 14 October: Beaulieu Palace, New Forest
