VIDEO: Sun comes out for Cycletta at Woburn

The first of this year’s all-women bike rides was a big success, with many of the participants from last year’s ride at Whipsnade Zoo getting into the saddle again.

There were 40km and 60km courses, and television personality Zoe Hardman took part in the race, too.

Lorraine Watts, who won her place in the Herald & Post competition, said: “I absolutely loved it. I didn’t sleep very well the night before as I was worried I might not be able to do it. I was aiming for three hours and did it in two hours 25 minutes so was really pleased.

“Everyone was so lovely round the course. All the women supported each other, especially getting up some of the steep hills. The pampering at the end was a bonus too with the massage certainly helping my aching neck! It’s inspired me to do a few more events like this and I hope to do it again next year and perhaps push myself to do the 60km one.”

Olympic gold medallist and Cycletta ambassador Victoria Pendleton gave the girls words of encouragement and advice on the Cycletta website in the build-up to the race and entrants were treated to goodie bags and massages afterwards, along with their medals.

Bedford cyclist Gem Zanna said: “It was beautiful weather and such pretty surroundings. It was my first event and I am proud to say I did it, and have also managed to raise some money for Macmillan cancer support. When I was nearing the end, I thought for a moment I might not make it, but when I crossed that finish line I thought to myself, I’ll do this again next year!”

Cycletta rides are taking place all over the country the next one is in Lydiard Park, Wiltshire, on June 24. To find out more and sign up visit www.cycletta.com.