IT’S THE UK’s only cycling event especially for women and it is set to return to the New Forest in 2015 with a new longer 150k ride.

Olympian, Victoria Pendleton, is once again backing the Macmillan Cycletta series and wants to encourage the women of Hampshire to take up cycling for fitness and fun while raising vital funds for the charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan Cycletta New Forest is one of six locations announced for the 2015 series and is open to women of all ages and abilities.

The popular Macmillan Cycletta cycle series will return to Beaulieu on Sunday, September 20, starting at Beaulieu Palace House before taking in the stunning surrounding roads, with a new line up of distances on offer, 50km, 100km and 150km.

The longer rides will be aimed at more experienced riders looking to take on challenging distances, but still retain their appeal for firsttime sportive riders with a 50km ride.

Human Race Macmillan Cycletta organiser, has also announced early bird and group discounts for the series – anyone booking before January 31 will receive £5 off the full price, and those who sign up as a group will get five entries for the price of four.

“The Macmillan Cycletta has already firmly established itself as the UK’s leading series of women-only cycling events,” said Human Race’s Gillian Daly.

“What we’re now doing is reflecting a growing demand from women for a greater range of distances to ensure there’s one that’s right for them.

Daily Echo:

The 2012 New Forest Macmillan Cycletta

“We’re expecting very strong demand for the 50km and 100km rides at Beaulieu, which have shown themselves in recent years to really engage those new to riding in sportives as well as those more experienced cyclists looking to set themselves a challenge.

“But it’s the 150km route that we’re expecting to attract significant attention. When we spoke to female cyclists about our plans, we found that a lot of women were holding themselves back, thinking that sort of distance was too far for them, when in fact they just needed the encouragement of an event to go for.”

There is a minimum age of 12 years on the day and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

A children’s Scootathlon – a mini triathlon for children aged between the age of four and eight where they scoot 250m, bike 250m and run 250m – will take place on the same day.

Early bird tickets start from £35 for 50km, £43 for 100km and £46 for 150k and all finishers will receive a medal and a goody bag.

Track cyclist, Victoria Pendleton has supported the event every year.

She said: “I want to inspire women to join me and cycle; as a hobby, a sport, a way to get fit and healthy or a way to escape.

“Whatever your reasoning, cycling can improve your life and the Macmillan Cycletta Series of events will bring women together of all abilities to take on their own cycling challenge.”

  • For more details or to book, visit humanrace.co.uk/events/cycletta.