Today is International Women's Day, and Cycling UK is calling on the cycling community to share their nominations for 2021's 100 Women in Cycling.
The search for this year's '100 Women in Cycling' seeks to celebrate inspirational women from across the UK's cycling scene, and forms part of Cycling UK's Women's Festival of Cycling.
Last year's 100 Women included a mix of internationally-known athletes such as Enduro World Series champion mountain biker, Isabeau Courdurier, the first woman to win the Transcontinental race across Europe, Fiona Kolbinger and Olympic gold medallist, Laura Kenny, alongside "community champions": women whose work to promote cycling are not always reported in the media.
Cycling UK chief executive, Sarah Mitchell said:
"We're inviting people to nominate their female sporting heroes, influencers who are highlighting issues affecting female cyclists, and industry moguls who are breaking through in a male dominated field.
"Particularly important for this year's list are our community champions. Women who teach cycle confidence, maintenance and repair, and who are inspiring and encouraging others to ride."
Women like 21-year-old student nurse Lucy Wilcox, who last year was among those who graduated early to join the NHS teams on the wards supporting the COVID-19 response and who began travelling to and from the hospital by bike to keep herself fit, healthy and always on time to look after her patients.
Cycle leader and intensive care nurse Narinder Kaur has enjoyed cycling for her own mental wellbeing and as a means to travel to work. She has also helped others battle social isolation during the pandemic through her inspiring volunteer work.
The coronavirus bike boom of 2020 saw bike sales soar and the number of women like Lucy and Narinder getting out on their bikes to travel safely and boost their wellbeing increase.
But as Cycling UK emphasise, there is more we need to do to address the gender differences in the activity.
"The number of men cycling still far exceeds the number of women and we need to do more to ensure that women also get to experience the great benefits of cycling," says Sarah Mitchell.
"Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling list celebrates women who help to empower others to get out on their bikes."
Nominations are now open for 2021s '100 Women in Cycling', with the final list due to be published when the Women's Festival of Cycling begins on Saturday 17 July.
The festival is a celebration of women's cycling with female-friendly rides and digital events taking place around the country and online until Sunday 1 August. We urge all women to get involved and celebrate how wonderful cycling can be.
To nominate a woman you think should be celebrated as one of Cycling UK's '100 Women in Cycling', visit the website at cyclinguk.org/100women2021_nominations.
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