WOMEN’S cycling is on the up in York.

A total of 45 riders attended the launch of dedicated cycling sessions for women hosted by York Sport Village at the University of York in Heslington.

The rider development day of skills coaching, group riding and hotly-contested races was led by a team of five female British Cycling coaches.

York-based triathlete Sarah Ó Súilleabháin said: “It was refreshing to be coached by such great female coaches and to ride with so many like-minded women. It was really inspiring and motivating.”

The event attracted club riders, triathletes and social cyclists, and was designed to cater for all levels and to build confidence and enthusiasm. The event wrapped up with a social lunch.

Michelle Hughes, a social cyclist from York, said: “It was a really lovely social day, and good to meet other women of similar ability to go out cycling with in the future.”

Giant Store York, a bike shop based in Lord Mayor’s Walk, supported the event with prizes and a fleet of female-specific road bikes for participants to try.

Manager Nicola Doody, who has noticed a rise in demand for women’s performance bikes this year, said: “It was a great atmosphere (at the launch event), and there is a real buzz about women’s cycling.

“We’ve recently noticed an increase in the number of female customers wanting to progress and take their cycling more seriously, but confidence is a huge barrier.

“The launch was the perfect opportunity for women to ‘give it a go’ in an incredibly supportive and encouraging environment with high-quality coaching from such great female ambassadors for the sport.”

Weekly training sessions will get under way at the cycling circuit on Wednesday, April 8, from 7pm to 8.30pm.

For further information or to book a place, phone 01904 325751.