Women’s cycling is on a rapid growth curve and the Women’s 100, created by global cycling brand Rapha, is proof of its increasing popularity. Now in its second year, more than 3,000 women have signed up in 96 locations spread across 25 countries to participate in the 100-kilometre event to be held on Sunday, July 20.
With the event Rapha, founded in 2004, aims to give women of all cycling abilities – from novice to club racer – an opportunity to celebrate the sport of cycling as an individual rider or as a member of a team.
Women from Brazil, China, Iceland and the UK will join riders from all over the world, including Australia and New Zealand for the global event. Last year, more than 4,000 women participated in the event, and Rapha is hoping to double that figure in 2014.
“The Women’s 100 is a major event for Rapha,” said Andy Pike, the firm's head of marketing in Australia and New Zealand. “It has tapped into the growing popularity of road cycling around the world, and women are really responding to the challenge it offers them.”
In Australia, rides have been registered in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, as well as in a number of towns across the pond in New Zealand. Rapha also encourages women from other localities to organise rides in their local community.
According to Rapha, one of the key goals of the Women’s 100 is to give novice riders, many of whom may never have experienced the camaraderie of group riding before, the confidence that comes with completing a long-distance road cycling event.
A base level of fitness and prior bike handling experience is recommended, however, before attempting the Women’s 100.
For more information the Women’s 100, including locations, training and registration, please click here.
