National cycling charity launches women’s elite cycling team

For more than a century, CTC has been actively promoting cycling to everyone across the British Isles, but the launch of the women’s cycling team gives added support to women’s cycling in particular.

Chief Executive of CTC Gordon Seabright said: “I’m delighted to announce that the 2013 season will see a CTC-backed elite women’s team take to the road. There’s clearly an imbalance in the sport, especially when it comes to funding the women’s side. We want to show by actions and not just by words that we support women’s cycling.”

He continued: “We’re hoping that CTC’s support will translate into inspiring more women to take up cycling. Getting women riding for sport or leisure is of course doubly important as women often are the ones encouraging the next generation to cycle, cementing a lasting legacy for women’s cycling in the UK.”

I’m delighted to announce that the 2013 season will see a CTC-backed elite women’s team take to the road

Gordon Seabright
Chief Executive of CTC

The team will be made up of six core riders of Elite, Category 1 and 2 status, and will offer the opportunity for two guest riders to compete alongside the team in selected races. The team will compete in six overseas high profile UCI races, the National Women’s Individual and Team Road Race series, whilst also taking part in the thrilling Smithfield and Newport nocturnes. Riders on the team will also act as cycling ambassadors, encouraging cycling as part of an active lifestyle by taking part in events and mass participation rides.

Doug Stewart, CEO from green energy uk said: “Being involved in the CTC Women’s Cycling Team for 2013 is an exciting prospect. With the recent publicity surrounding the Olympics and the rise in the popularity of the sport, it is a good time to launch a professional women’s team.

"Cycling is one of our passions, having taken up a number of challenges for charity ourselves we thought this was the ideal venture to support. We look forward to starting the 2013 calendar and seeing the green energy CTC Women’s Cycling Team cross the finish line first!”

Director at Butterworth Spengler, Philip Coffey, said: “Butterworth Spengler has been providing specialist insurance cover for cyclists and cycle retailers for over 25 years and we are delighted to support the CTC Women’s Cycling Team in 2013. The increased interest in the sport and the strong performances of women riders makes it an ideal time to get involved - both to help talented women athletes and to inspire more women to cycle.

"With cycling being such a central part of our activities, supporting and following what we are sure will be a winning CTC team will make it a very exciting 2013!”

CTC and sponsors will introduce the team on Saturday 19th January 1 pm - 1.30 pm at The London Bike Show. Join us afterwards at our stand for a glass of bubbly to celebrate the launch at our stand (LB123). Riders, sponsors, team manager and CTC Chief Executive, Gordon Seabright, will be at the CTC stand and available for interview, comments and pictures. Find out more about Team CTC.