Cycletta winners on way to Woburn

The lucky girls getting on their bikes at Woburn Abbey will be Karen Cundell, Heidi Baker, Lorraine Watts, Angela Feaviour, Rachel McGinnity, Diane Piegaze Jenny Dean, Suzanne Clarke, Tamzin Bloomfield and Gem Zanna.

Cycletta is a women-only cycling event with both 40km and 60km courses, perfect for beginners and those looking for more of a challenge.

Winner Lorraine Watts, who lives in Luton, said: “I hadn’t heard of Cycletta before I saw the article in the Herald&Post.

“I would love to enter it as I am trying to get fit before my wedding in the summer so this is the perfect opportunity.”

On the day, all Cycletta entrants are given a goody bag and taken care of by special mechanics and race stewards along the route.

Mother-of-two Ruchita Sarvaiya took part in last year’s event at Whipsnade Zoo when she had just started cycling.

She said: “I loved Cycletta, it’s brilliant with all the women cycling together.

“If you do the 40km it’s not too difficult.

“It’s like a leisurely thing so you can do it even if you’re not at your fitness peak.

“I didn’t think I would be able to finish it and not feel sore and hurting afterwards but I felt fine.

“All the girls did really well and they all support each other.

“I started cycling last year and now I cycle all the time.

“I was a bit nervous at first because I’d never cycled on roads before, but you soon get the hang of it.

“If you’re looking to start, Cycletta is the perfect first event for you.

“I say just get on your bike and give it a go.”

Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton is the ambassador for Cycletta, and presenter Zoe Hardman has also just signed up to take part.

To enter, visit www.cycletta.com.