The Guernsey Velo Club is encouraging women to give racing a go in a friendly and welcoming environment at its new race series.

You do not have to be a club member or have any previous racing experience. 

The only requirements to take part are a road bike, with either drop or flat handlebars, and a helmet.

GVC Road Cycling coordinator, Mark Smith said: “the club held a women’s race a few years ago which was very popular, with over 40 riders taking part. 

“We’ve decided to revisit the format and rather than a one off race, we’ve created a women’s only series of four races consisting of three different formats. We want to offer women the opportunity to give racing a try in a welcoming, inclusive and social environment.

“We want to ensure that turning up at a race for the first time is a positive experience, with an emphasis on enjoyment and developing racing skills, irrespective of the kit you are wearing or how expensive your bike may look.

“We hope that this series will show riders that the club is welcoming of new members, regardless of previous experience, and we hope this series will encourage more women to race regularly as members of the club.”

GVC member, Esther Reid said: “I really enjoy racing with the Velo Club, having now completed one road series and two cyclocross series. 

“My experiences have been positive and I have always felt welcome at the start line, especially when I showed up for the first time on my own. Club members are friendly and encouraging throughout races, and it really doesn’t matter what kit you are wearing or how much you paid for your bike. I’m excited to race in the women’s series and am really looking forward to seeing more women at the start line.”

GVC President Gary Wallbridge said: “while this series is purely for women, the club organises races throughout the year, and it would be absolutely fantastic if this series encouraged more women to join the regular race series that we have, we do have women’s categories in these races as well.”

The races take place on the following dates:

4th May (Road Race)

26th May (Road Race)

19th June (Circuit Race)

31st August (Time Trial)

The road races will use a circuit around Perelle, starting at the shingle bank, turning left at L’eree Hill, over Le Felconte and back to the coast road. The circuit race will be at Delancey Park and the Time Trial will be along the coast road from Cobo to Rocquaine and back.

Categories

Race – for competitive riders who may have raced before or have been competitive in triathlon or other sports. You should have a fairly good level of fitness.

Sport – for fitness enthusiasts who have some experience riding bikes but may not have raced. Also suitable for people who would like to try racing for the first time in a new sport.

Challenge – for anybody new to cycling or wanting to enjoy the social aspect of riding in a group, whilst also completing a races series.

Mountain bikes are only allowed in the challenge category.

For more information and to enter, please visit www.gvc.gg or email sportmember@gvc.gg