I have started sharing stories of ladies who are an inspiration to me as part of the campaign from British Cycling #OneInAMillion. This is looking to help, inspire and encourage one million more women to choose cycling by tackling common misconceptions that can make it trickier to get on a bike. From concerns over safety, confidence, or simply not knowing where to go.

I am proud to be a part of this campaign and and even more pleased to be able to introduce you to this awesome lady who I am grateful to for contributing to this post.

Meet Tarsh the lady who is brains, personality and beauty behind Stomp The Pedal. I was lucky enough to spend some time with Tarsh in Italy last year as she and a group of friends, including my husband, completed Ironman Italy. Everyone in Ironman seems to know Tarsh and I remember hearing Paul Kaye recognise her from the end of the red carpet and announce her heading to the finish line ‘Tarsh you are an Ironman’. In fact Tarsh is a 10 times Ironman finisher!

‘I had no idea how to ride a bike, but when the opportunity came up in 2008 with my employer in Australia to participate in a corporate triathlon, I took up the opportunity.

Here is where I had my first introduction to riding a bike. Omg it was a strange feeling. I was never really a sporty person, more of a singer/dancer.

I was so nervous, I had no idea about helmets, cycle clothing, let alone the right bike to ride. Thankfully, the community was pretty great. I bought a second hand specialized dolce elite and boy did I feel special. I mean ‘Dolce Elite’ sounded so posh. I also fell off countless times, lol too funny. Stopping at the traffic lights, one minute I’m upright the next I’m sideways. Oh the joys of learning to ride a bike. The best. Ha ha

Cycling, I found came naturally to me in the end. I absolutely love it. The freedom of my two wheels, the road, the scenery and me. What a joy.

You will find me riding on Zwift up to 4 times a week during winter and then outdoors during Summer either alone or with friends.

Years later who would have thought that I would race a lot of triathlons, with cycling being my strongest leg, have my own race team Possibilitty Race Team and then have my women’s stylish sports apparel brand, Stomp the Pedal, with cycle gear being my passion.

I mean what a way to express your personality/style and grace whilst riding your bike!

The joy that my bike/s has brought me over the many years has undeniably been life changing. I met my husband through this sport, I travel and race all over the world, I love sportives and I just love my bikes, ‘The Little Whippet’ and ‘Magic Mike’ and the community of friends I’ve made over the years makes me feel like the richest chick on the planet. ️

Don’t be afraid, grab a bike, a helmet and give it a whirl in the car park. It’s like going for your first driving lesson, once you’ve given it a go, the freedom is amazing!

Stomp the Pedal Baby!’

You can follow Tarsh on her instagram here.

I will be adding more posts like this to inspire you and introduce some more of the lovely ladies I have met through cycling that inspire me.

More information for women who are thinking about getting on a bike for the first time can visit the British Cycling women’s hub for tips and advice on everything from the benefits of cycling, to hints and tips about how to get started.

Are you #OneInAMillion ? Why not share your story too?

I have been cycling now for 3 years and it all started when my husband decided he would sign me up for a 100 mile sportive, because that is as good a place as any to start right?

My longest ride to date was the Vatternrundan 300km ride in Sweden that I completed in 2017 with two amazing friends, Laura and James (you can read about it here).  I loved it and I am going back this year to do it again.  But why stop there?  I have also signed up for the Ladies 100km ride and half Vattern 150km ride in the same week so my training between now and then needs to be focused and have the appropriate structure to it to ensure I can complete these events with no issues.

Where do you start?  Everyone’s approach to training is different so I will discuss here where I will be starting and what my plan is.

I had some time off over Christmas and took advantage by getting in extra bike miles but by doing 225 miles over the 8 days I was left with very tired legs and more than a bit disappointed with my performance.  Moral of the story = train smart and don’t be like Lisa!

I then took the advice of my husband and stayed off the bike for a few days before completing an FTP test.  What is an FTP test? I did a blog post previously which you can read here and yes feel free to laugh as you will read correctly I fell off my turbo – that’s right I basically fell off a stationary bike!  Basically it is a functional threshold power test (otherwise known as FTP) is used by many in cycling training terms and is basically the maximum power you can sustain for a given period.  When developing a plan it will use this figure as a base for things such as intervals and to measure improvements.  It is used by many of the professional cyclists, which I am not, but is great for use on Zwift, which I use on my turbo trainer so is a necessary evil.  I think FTP should stand for Feel The Pain – it hurts.

With the FTP complete I can now build on my base fitness.  My training plan will include:

• Interval sessions – a workout including short efforts to build power and fitness, these may be set on the turbo based on power or on the road based on cadence/speed
• Threshold sessions – these are uncomfortable, basically riding max out and where ‘drop rides’ come into place – you do a route as fast as possible and if you can’t keep up you get dropped.  Sounds harsh but everyone rides at a different pace and you are only in competition with yourself.  Time trial riding will come into play here too.
• Long ride sessions – these are done at a steady pace that I can comfortably maintain and the aim is to develop base fitness, stamina and endurance
• Recovery sessions – muscles need to repair and whilst this should be the easiest ride in the plan doesn’t take away the value because it still ensure fitness progresses
• Cadence – anyone who knows both myself and my husband will read this and laugh as he is known to shout ‘cadence’ at me during rides – I tend to push a bigger gear but I know that wiser gear choices will leave me with fresher legs and so I worked on this last year and will continue to do the same this year too.
• Fuelling – I use Torq products whilst on the bike but fuelling can change for shorter and longer rides and so it is important to train with the products you will use in events when you are training also – never try something new on race day!
• Strength training – I saw a huge improvement in my bike fitness last year, thanks to my good friend Emma who is an awesome PT, as I incorporated strength and conditioning in my plan and so will absolutely be doing the same again – strong core always helps on the bike especially over longer periods!  Some people disagree and you need to do what works for you but bear in mind if you complete exercises that target the muscles used when cycling such as quads, hamstrings, glutes, calf’s, hip flexors, and in turn the muscles around these areas, you are also working on improving fatigue when using these on the bike.
• Be consistent – as with most things consistency is key!

The main reason for the above?  I don’t want to just get in the miles which some may call ‘junk miles’ without some structure.  The definition for ‘junk miles’ from British Cycling is ‘cycling that has little or no training benefit and only serve to build fatigue’ and they have a great post about this that can be found here.  I know what has worked for me and trust the process to do the same again.

The Vatternrundan have resources on their website and suggest that you have covered 1,000km in training for the ride itself.  I have set myself a big goal of hitting 5,000 miles in 2019 so should be well over their suggestion by the time of the event.  I know 5,000 miles is a lot and will be a tall order so wish me luck!

The Vatternrundan itself has a lot of participants and should you be able to join a peloton (and I say should as we found a lot of groups did not like this or allow you to) experience of group riding is a must, which just gives me the excuse to ride as much as possible with the fellow clubmates at Romford CC more!

I attended a talk last week at Look Mum No Hands that was titled ‘Mind The Cycling Gender Gap’.  This was the launch of the second zine from Tiffany Lam, a feminist passionate about inclusive cycling, that includes stories from women relating to cycling and empowerment.  There was also a panel of ladies including a feminist activist, founder of cycle workshop Bike Freedom, and lady who has a keen interest in mobility and health and well being.

If you have never been to Look Mum No Hands then I would suggest checking them out – they are a popular cafe in London especially with cyclists but they host regular events also.

Whilst the talk was very insightful and it was good to hear the individual stories from people I found myself having different opinions to the others and if I am honest I left feeling a little sad.  Why? Maybe I am lucky with those I surround myself with that I have not had the same negative experiences that others have had but also because a lot of the questions that were being posed could be answered easily with some simple research and there are resources available out there that are clearly unknown.

I also think there is a gender gap in a lot more than just cycling but will stick to the topic at hand!  It led me to think more about women’s cycling, specifically what barriers there are that women experience?  What would stop a female from starting cycling?  Is the answer to segregate the two sexes or does that not simply compound the issue?

Since the talk I have taken the time to speak to a number of female cyclists in person and online to find out their thoughts on this subject and try and understand a little more about what some potential reasons could be for the lower number of female cyclists on the road.

Fear and safety when out and about on the bike is one reason that I heard consistently more than anything else as a reason not to cycle.  However, whilst this can be true, sometimes it is the perception more than reality and how can we change that?  I admit when I first started this was my main concern but with experience comes confidence and of course some common sense with certain roads avoided for safety. I live in an area where after ten minutes of cycling I am on country roads, which are quieter.  I am also lucky that I am not too far from two closed cycle tracks in Redbridge and the Velopark and these are great to start without the fear of traffic and other road users.  The answer suggested at the talk was that the government need to make changes to the roads but is that realistic?  It is important to remember that significant changes to infrastructure come at a huge cost, using the cycle paths pre-Olympics at Epping Forest as an example where the cost was £839k according to TFL just to implement, which is actually an insignificant figure in the grand scheme of the highways spend and more importantly paths such as these, while worthwhile, do not cater for road cyclists so is not an answer to the initial problem raised but a step in the right direction.  When I refer to road users I am doing so intentionally as the responsibility for safety should be shared equally whether that be by car or bike users or pedestrians.

Cycling clubs can also be a deterrent but again, in my experience, this can be perception rather than reality.  I am not saying all clubs are the same but speaking from personal experience I am a member of Romford Cycle Club and Havering Tri and both are super inclusive and gender does not even come into it.  We are all equal and we are all undertaking the same activity.  For me this is key and again this is just my personal opinion but I want to ride my bike and there is no necessity for me to do so with just females.  I appreciate the position that some ladies may feel less pressure being surrounded by women only and a great example of this is the Breeze programme.  ‘HSBC UK Breeze offers fun, free bike rides for women of all abilities across the UK’.  Though in speaking to some ride leaders from Breeze most feel this is viewed as a platform people use to then transition into club riding.  It is important to remember that different cycling clubs have different purposes and you need to find one that will suit your needs and goals – some want to race, some to explore, some to get from a to b and no reason is right or wrong but a club opens up your accessibility to like minded people.  Just because one doesn’t should not make them a bad club but instead simply not aligned to your needs.  You can search on the British Cycling website to find local clubs to you here.

Don’t be put off by the MAMIL!  I heard this word over and over again and I loathe it!  For those unaware MAMIL stands for middle aged man in lycra and for a lot of people this image of cycling is off putting.  BUT what is wrong with the middle aged man in lycra?  Why does he have such a negative reaction when people refer to him?  What says he is not supportive?  Why the negativity because he chooses to cycle in lycra?  It is also something not just off putting to females but males in the same demographic too.  I didn’t want to wear the whole cycling get up when I first started as I felt stupid if I am being completely honest and yet now it is all I wear when I cycle.  It is comfortable and it serves a purpose.  There is nothing saying you have to dress like this though – it depends what sort of cyclist you want to be.

This Girl Can is a campaign ‘funded by The National Lottery, believes that there’s no right way to get active – if it gets your heart rate up it counts. And we want more women to find what’s right for them’.  They cover cycling on their website and provide some useful resources for those wanting to know more.  Remember everyone starts somewhere!

Specialized UK also have a number of female ambassadors who host a range of rides across the UK (both road and MTB).  They are run by the appointed female ambassadors and are female only led rides, all free departing from a nominated store.  Details can be found here, where you can sign up and it also provides all information about pace and requirements.  The ambassadors are super helpful and more than happy to answer any questions you may have.  Again this gives the opportunity to ride with like minded individuals and widen your network of those you can regularly ride with.  I have been on one of these rides and even completed a 100 mile sportive with the same ladies who met through the Chelmsford led rides.

British Cycling one in a million is a new campaign that is looking ‘to encourage more women to feel safe and confident in the saddle and inspired to ride’.  Do you cycle?  Why not take part?  More details can be found here.  According to British Cycling 723,000 more women have been influenced to cycle since 2013 as part of their four year #WeRide women’s strategy which has a target to get one million more women cycling by 2020.  The aim of this strategy revealed extensive changes that have been put in place across all levels to begin to counteract the legacy of a 50-year gender gap.

So come on ladies (and gents) lets get on those bikes!

With my 2019 being largely focused around events on two wheels I am keen to make sure my winter training contributes to giving me a good base for the beginning of the season and that is not just about training on the bike.

Pre injury this year I had worked hard on the bike and the results showed in some of my events.  To compare to the previous year I could easily see the changes I had made that I felt contributed to this.  They were as follows:

• I introduced more structure to my cycling.  My husband is a qualified cycle coach and so he set me sessions to complete that made sure I was getting in a range of riding including recovery, tempo/at pace, intervals and working on my cadence.  Cadence is the number of revolutions per minute and at first I found the cycling to cadence really tough – I generally push a big gear and I know this is not efficient but working to different cadence sometimes felt like I was spinning like crazy.  It became a bit of a joke in our cycling club as you would randomly hear my husband shout ‘Lisa, cadence!’.  The main point is that I was not cycling simply for cycling and what some would call ‘junk miles’.
• I gave strength and conditioning training a priority.  My best friend is a qualified PT and she set me sessions and trained with me knowing the goals I had in mind including a lot of core work.  Before I took part in my first triathlon relay a fellow tri club member predicted I would get sub 3 hours for the 56 miles, which I thought was out of reach and he said to trust the strength training I have done.  I finished chuffed to bits in 2:56!
• I made sure I stretched!  I am useless when it comes to stretching before and after exercising and really have to build this in to my training to make sure it is not missed.  Post injury I needed some massage therapy and was recommended someone who is amazing though a sports massage is not the luxurious treat you may think – it hurts but it so worth it afterwards and just highlighted to me the need to stretch the muscles properly.

From the above I have learned what to make sure I focus on over the coming months including the following:

• Core workouts – a strong core is essential when cycling.  A weak core can lead to poor performance (a lot of movement side to side/rocking) and even injury as a consequence.  Gripping the handlebars (something I am guilty of) is a sign of a weak core also and can contribute to back pain and also neck pain.  When cycling your power should come from your legs and this can be lost if you are moving too much from side to side.  There are many movements to help strengthen your core, you don’t need a gym and it doesn’t take too long either. Why is this important?  The core is what is keeping the body stable whilst cycling and is put under a lot of pressure when in the saddle.  When I first started cycling I would suffer from back pain and this can often be a result of a weak core so I knew I had work to do.  Some exercises that would help your core could include mountain climbers, Russian twists, leg raises, plank, abdominal crunches, scissor kicks, boat pose and bridges.

• Strength training – my workouts tends to include both core and strength exercises and focus on specific muscle groups.  For cyclists a focus on the muscle groups used when on the bike is beneficial.  Some exercises that would help could include squats, reverse lunges, deadlifts, push ups, shoulder press, renegade rows, kettlebell swings and burpees (I know no one loves a burpee sorry).

• Yoga/Pilates – cycling can lead to tightness in certain areas of the body especially the lower back, neck, hips and pelvis.  A strong core will help reduce this especially if your spine is lengthened and low abdomen engaged, both of which will support your core.  Some poses that would help with this and in turn maximise your potential on the bike could include cat/cow pose, downward facing dog, bridge, camel, chair pose into forward bend, sacrum stretch, hamstring stretch, quad/hip flexor stretch, child pose, reclining bound angle pose and not forgetting legs up the wall.

I will be trying to get out as much as possible as I much prefer getting outside whenever possible though sometimes excessive rain, ice, snow and similar weather conditions can make cycling dangerous so will also need to incorporate some targeted training on the turbo (a necessary evil).

As they say winter miles equal summer smiles so here we go!

I feel like this is an age old question debated by many including myself and as it is International Helmet Awareness Day today and tomorrow (admittedly this is more in the equine area) I figured why not ask the question again from a cycling perspective.

I cycle a reasonable amount and ever since I started I have worn a helmet – why would I not as it can save your life so in my mind is an essential part of my cycling kit that I would not be without.  I am a part of a cycling club and we have a rule – no helmet, no ride – this is not uncommon for clubs to insist on and the same is said for most sportives/events also.  We follow the rules of British Cycling and although it is not a legal requirement they do quote:

‘British Cycling recommends wearing a correctly fitted helmet while cycling however we also support the right of each individual to choose whether or not to accept this recommendation and recognise the limit to the protection that helmets provide.’

This is a similar position to that of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) who quote:

‘There continues to be much debate regarding the effectiveness of cycle helmets and whether the wearing of them should be made compulsory. RoSPA’s position is that we strongly recommend that cyclists wear a cycle helmet. However, it is important to remember that cycle helmets do not prevent crashes from happening. It is therefore vital that through infrastructure improvements, supported by education and training that we reduce the primary risk factors.’

When I first got kitted out in my cycling gear I admit I felt like a bit of an idiot head to toe in lycra, which is not the best look for most, finished off with a dashing helmet.  Does anyone look good in a helmet?  Probably not, but does it matter?  Is the main intention of wearing a helmet to look good or to increase your safety?  For me, I appreciate that it is down to the individual whether or not they choose to wear a helmet though I choose not to cycle without one.

I have been involved in two incidents where I can say with certainty that without wearing a helmet my injuries would have undoubtedly been far worse than they were.  I know others who feel the same also from personal experience.

I see people with those material cycle caps – how will they help you should you have an accident?

I see people with the straps undone – really?

I see people with helmets attached to their back packs or their handle bars – not really serving the purpose is it?

Some tips for helmet wearing:

• they come in different sizes so you will need to make sure you have checked this depending on the brand and have the correct size.
• when you put your helmet on it should be positioned correctly – be careful not to have it so low it obstructs your view or so far back it is not covering your whole head.
• the straps should sit under the ears and be secured in place under the chin – you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your chin, if you can then it is too loose.
• handy tip for making sure your helmet is secure is to put it on and adjust as necessary but before you do the straps up you should be able to bend forward without the helmet coming off.
• 

• only buy a helmet which is CE approved. CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area.
• 

Helmets also have a lifespan – different retailers quote different time frames but these are generally between 3 and 5 years.

A lot of retailers also offer a crash replacement discount.  Now I know the intention is not to crash but should this happen and the integrity of the helmet has been compromised by an impact this is a great way of ensuring that the manufacturer can review how the helmet handled the impact for future improvements.  Different retailers will offer different discounts but I have always used Kask helmets and they offer a 50% discount when your damaged helmet is returned (with necessary paperwork).

There are arguments that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of a cycling helmet and it is very true that simply by wearing a helmet will not make the act of cycling any safer and I think that often this is the misconception of the argument.  I wouldn’t argue that a helmet would stop the chances of you having an accident, however, if you were to have an accident I would say from an injury prevention perspective it is really hard to argue that a helmet does not assist.  There are lots of studies that can be found online relating to this and the results show that on average there is roughly 65% reduction of serious/fatal head injuries when wearing a helmet.

The debate will long continue I am sure and Cycling UK make a good point when they say:

‘The evidence on this question is complex and contradictory, providing as much support for those who are deeply sceptical of helmets as for those who swear by them.’

You will know I love all things bike and so having the opportunity to attend an evening with Bianchi Dama to try some of their bikes and find out more about their collaboration with Charles James was something I was quite excited about.

Arriving at the venue, with my friend Helen from 1 Vision 2 Girls, we were two of the first and so had a chance to admire the bikes they had with them. Helen and I are both keen cyclists and have several bikes each but the rule is always n plus one right so no technically always on the look out for the next. Especially true for me as I am actually looking for my next bike and could it be a Bianchi?

It was an interesting opportunity for both of us as I mentioned we are both keen cyclists but neither of us wear a lot of make up and don’t have a skin care regime either (I know shock horror) so mostly we use water in the shower on our skin so finding out more about the active skin care range was going to be good for us both.

Once we got the right size bike and had helmets on we set off in a small group with Tasha, Bethany and Becky, three of the ladies from the Bianchi Dama women’s performance cycling team. It was a short easy spin around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and gave the opportunity to talk to the ladies about their recent trip completing the Tour of Belgium and what they really thought of the bikes. I think when venturing into cycling it’s easy to be swayed by those around you when it comes to picking a bike for example I have always had the same brand as it is the preferred one of my husband who is a keen cyclist and cycling coach. I am open to others as I search for the next one and the ladies were saying how they’ve tried many over the years and genuinely found the Bianchi bikes to be super comfortable from the start. This was good news and whilst I can’t give a full review based on a 10/15 minute ride the bike was light, smooth, easy to change gear and really comfortable – it’s a good start!

When we got back there was a short straight stretch which gave the opportunity to test the bikes a little more and have some fun.

After mingling for a while there was a talk, which again as a keen female cyclist I found really interesting. I mean it started with the comment ‘Women’s cycling is the place to be’ and that got my attention as I am biased but of course agree wholeheartedly!

The three ladies we cycled with from the team were on the panel and as mentioned earlier they have recently returned from the Tour of Belgium which is a female pro race over ending up in Flanders after four days riding. There are 9 on the team and they spoke of how they are all great friends and real friendships too, which makes a massive difference and sees great retention within the team which speaks volumes and they always look like they’re enjoying it. I am more than aware that being part of a cycle club you join with a common interest and goal but these people end up like an extended family and friendships are soon forged and that makes the sport even more enjoyable.

These are ladies who all work full time and so being at the level they are have to fit in training to their busy lives. They spoke about how they run off that energy level and it becomes a habit, often seeing them scratching the walls when resting, which is something that I think a lot of people, myself included, can relate to as it is always a balancing act. On average these ladies train for 15/20 hours per week on the bike with one member of the team who has covered 20,000km per year for the previous three years – and is a full time vet too!

Having to fit in such rigorous training alongside full time jobs requires a certain level of dedication and the ladies spoke about how their typical week is comprised. It is no surprise that longer rides take place at the weekend and are often 4/5 hours with the aim of completing around 3 sessions during the week, often being early morning, but making these count with some focused structure ie including efforts.  There are always tired with achey legs but the fun that comes with this makes you want to do again and all whilst still smiling. Through the winter there is an increased focus in the gym with strength and core work, which sees many benefits in cycling; if your core is strong it really helps for sprints and climbing. Some add running, which is difficult as different fitness to cycling but does allows for fitness in all weather outside which cycling doesn’t always lend itself to.  Cyclocross is something that some of the ladies also take part in through the winter and really takes on the extremes of weather and mud – I love mud so maybe this is something I might explore in future?

The team are keen to use the heritage of Bianchi to represent in an honourable and exciting way and the trademark turquoise kit and bikes was seen throughout the event. The girls spoke of the collaboration with Charles James and how cycling can be semi glamorous, being equally surprised that until now no one has got involved in this area previously with most not making skincare regime a priority (that would include me!) but how they genuinely feel the new range is fab. When cycling your skin really comes into contact with all the elements often finishing a ride or training session with skin that can be covered in mud, dust, grit, wet, and sweat and naturally this all affects your skin. The range includes two products with one being an active cleanse and the second a cream to enhance and protect. It absorbs easily, contains spf which sounds amazing as sun cream whilst cycling and sweating is not the best mix, it can be worn with make up over it, and is light enough to wear on a daily basis, so is a massive help as a product for sportspeople and those with an active lifestyle.

A huge positive for me to hear was how this innovative sponsorship with Charles James and Bianchi has been developed for the team and with the team and I quote ‘is a partnership that works’. Leading an active lifestyle and cycling several times a week I’ve admitted I don’t have a strict skincare regime, however, I have noticed how the elements can leave my skin feeling very dry and when products like these are developed actually involving the very people who they are aimed for my interest naturally peaks. The ladies tested the products during the Tour of Belgium ride with positive results, taken to protect their skin whilst cycling.

Caroline, the mechanic for the team, was also present and I found her parts of the talk really interesting to learn more about the behind the scenes elements that being part of the pro team involves.  She spoke about how technology is important for the bikes especially with regards to lightness and strength amongst other things. One of the key things in Bianchi bikes is countervail (membrane in carbon) reduces the vibration you can experience on some carbon bikes. All of the Bianchi bikes are entirely Shimano equipped, some with di2 and some with mechanical gearing, which Caroline noted is easier to fix. The team experienced a Di2 failure at a national championship this but managed to rectify even though you cannot see the issue with di2. Caroline also spoke of how it is harder to find bad kit now but the benefits of this is that you don’t have to go to the very top end to get the benefits, for example the last iteration of Shimano 105 and Ultegra have under a 200g difference but a £600 price difference.

I was really impressed to hear that the entire list of mechanicals for the team over the season was limited to:

• 1 di2
• 3 punctures
• 1 skipped chain

Awesome work Caroline!

When it comes to cycling the race that most know is of course Tour de France and unfortunately there is not one halo event that stands above everything else to showcase women’s cycling.  The main events to note are:

• OVO women’s tour
• Giro Rosa
• Tour of Belgium
• La Course by Tour de France
• UCI World championships

Whilst the above is great it shows that women’s cycling is not yet at the same level as the mens.  Getting live coverage of cycling is a big thing and there is a need to make the good women’s races better and have more media coverage and more money to be invested. This is an area that is growing but it is a long slow process, which is unfortunate as women’s cycling is exciting and less predictable. Caroline mentioned that the women’s races tend to be far more attacking.

One thing the ladies were surprised in Belgium about was that there are genuine fans and at present women’s cycling is also more accessible than the men’s racing, often working out of the back of cars so fans have access to the riders for autographs and photos.

Today is the first day of me using the new active skincare products and I walked to the station noticing how nice the scent was.  I am looking forward to carrying on using it whilst I train and will follow up with how I found it.

In the meantime I have been online and fully customised the Bianchi bike that is on my wish list – it’s Christmas soon right?