Sports
Ladies Sportive
By Noel Gibbons
7, Jul 2017 - 12:31

Over the past number of years the number of female members of Cycling Ireland has quadrupled, enjoying the many benefits of cycling. Since the establishment of the Women's Commission of Cycling Ireland in April 2002 opportunities for women in cycling have increased significantly.

With women's cycling, growing, making up between 15 - 17% of the Cycling Ireland membership. There is the need to get more women involved in cycling, to open up the sport to more women, and on the other hand they are charged with developing and progressing the road racing scene.

The Western Lakes Cycling Club located in Ballinrobe, are holding their annual Ladies cycling sportive on Saturday the 15th of July. The route is a scenic Lap of Lough Mask (64km). The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is the chosen charity and they are hoping to get as many women involved as possible. The event is usually well supported by the various cycling clubs in Mayo and by outside the County cyclists also bringing tourists to the area.

Event Co-ordinator Mr Kenneth McCarthy said "We feel 64km is an achievable distance for all with correct training. We also feel that a local sportive being run for a worthy charity is a great end goal. As well as beginner cyclists, we hope the event will attract experienced cyclists and women who currently cycle on their own and are perhaps intimidated by group cycling or clubs. As per a recent report, 49% of women in Mayo are " active and engaging in sport".

In running this event, we envisage this event getting bigger and better every year and we want to put Co. Mayo on the map for sporting events. For further details on the Ladies Sportive visit Facebook.com/WLCC Ladies Sportif