Looking for a new challenge, or fancy pushing your cycling further? Join us on one of the brilliant new Breeze Challenge Events this autumn.

With events taking place during October in Warwickshire and Lancashire, the new events aim to bring all the fun, expertise and support already enjoyed in the Breeze community to a new level of challenge rides.

Each event offers a choice of two gorgeous routes – at 50km or 100km. Riders will be supported with feed stations, spectator hot spots and many other surprises along the way, making this a real highlight of the amateur women’s cycling calendar – and a great introduction to the fun of riding more challenging distances.

The Breeze Challenge Event Warwickshire takes place on Sunday 5 October, and Breeze Challenge Event Lancashire on Sunday 12 October. With the first event just a few short months away and registration numbers limited, we advise securing your place early.

Both 50km and 100km routes encompass miles of leafy suburbs, winding country roads and peaceful cycle routes. Starting at the Cryfield Pavilion at the University of Warwick Campus, the ride sets off towards Kenilworth Castle, before moving towards Hatton. Riders on the 50km route head towards Rowington, before swinging past Knowle and back to the Warwick University campus, while those taking in the 100km route will head towards Henley-in-Arden, via Snitterfield, before turning back to the start.

Councillor Rachel Lancaster, Cabinet Member for Public Services at Coventry City Council who are supporting the event, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with British Cycling to bring the first ever Breeze Challenge Events to Coventry. Encouraging cycling is a key priority for the Council, and we recognise and fully support the need to encourage more women to get on bicycles through Cycle Coventry and Coventry On The Move.

“We already have an active Breeze programme in the city and hope that hosting this event will help to boost numbers of local participation on these rides.”

The ride commences a stone’s throw from Preston city centre, with the route taking in the scenic Lancashire views. Heading towards Kirkham, riders can stretch their legs in pristine Lancashire surroundings before moving north towards Cockerham. Riders on the 50km route will cut across by Bilsborrow, before heading back to base near Preston, while the hardy riders on the 100km route head deeper into the Lancashire countryside, before heading home past Barnacre and Whittingham.

Preston City Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Veronica Afrin, said:

‘I am very proud that Preston has been chosen to host this new event, giving women even more new and exciting opportunities to get involved in cycling. Thanks to the continued partnership work between the council and British Cycling, Preston can sustain its cycling offer at the heart of Lancashire.’

Natalie Justice, Breeze Project Manager, said:

‘Whether you’re an experienced endurance rider, or looking to push yourself to the next level, both Breeze Challenge Events will not only provide great riding, but even greater fun. Embraced by our network of Breeze champions, riders and supporters, these events offer the whole women’s cycling community a fantastic opportunity to come together, share some memories and make some new ones too. We look forward to seeing you there!’

Looking to ride this sportive? Check out or sportive page here for more pre, during and post event tips and advice.