The nominations came thick and fast, and we are happy to announce the finalists in the Cycling Event of the Year category brought to you by Choose Cherries for the Total Women’s Cycling Awards in association with Velo Vixen.
From game-changing races for the pro women’s peloton to the largest women’s only mountain bike in the event to date, 2014 has been an incredible year for cycling events. With charity rides, international professional racing and new women’s specific events in the mix, there’s happily lots to choose from, but with your nominations in and counted, we’ve finally whittled them all down to this list of finalists.
The winners of each category will be announced at the Total Women’s Cycling Awards ceremony at The London Bike Show in February 2015 – stand by for more info.
Voting is open soon, so make sure you have your say on which finalists in each of the 11 categories deserve to be crowned winner. Don’t forget to spread the word online!
Vote for your Cycling Event of the Year here
Red Bull Fox Hunt with Rachel Atherton
On a bright weekend in September 117 women lined up against double world champion mountain biker Rachel Atherton, in a mass start race with a difference. The Red Bull Fox Hunt. With all the whistles and bells that come with having the support of a major brand like Red Bull, the event was slick, professional and fun, and produced some amazing photo and video. Perhaps more importantly, the atmosphere and inclusiveness of the event, which for many women was their first taste of racing, has left a legacy and a thirst for more!
Le Grand Depart – Le Tour de France
The unforgettable sight of thousands of people lining the sunlit roads of Yorkshire cheering on the Grand Depart of Le Tour de France is one that graced newspapers and tv screens across the country. It not only focussed the attention of the cycling world on Yorkshire, it also gave the area a financial boost through increased tourism, and has left a legacy for years to come.
The Friends Life Women’s Tour
Hailed as a game changing event, the Friends Life Women’s Tour was a new race on the women’s pro-cycling calendar, and was noteworthy for so many reasons. It drew record numbers of spectators, it had extensive media coverage and it attracted the cream of the international women’s pro-peloton. With high-profile riders like Marianne Vos, Jolanda Neff and Lizzie Armitstead, and the bittersweet news it was to be Emma Trott’s last race, combined with the air of excitement, the spirit of competition, and the undeniably athleticism of the riders made it gripping viewing.
Prudential RideLondon 100
Fancy the chance to ride in the wheel prints of the 2012 Olympic Athletes? Several thousand cyclists certainly did, but ended up taking to the roads in some of the worst weather conditions yet seen for a UK event. Camaraderie, blitz spirit and lots of waterproof jackets got riders through knee-deep floods and driving rain in the 2014 Prudential Ride London 100, and there was plenty of praise for the dedicated marshalls who cheered the riders on. We can only applaud everyone who took part!
Revolution Series
The chance to see some of the worlds best road and track athletes battle it out in the velodrome, with cheering crowds and an electric atmosphere, is one that’s hard to pass up. This is what you get with the exciting Revolution Series. This is particularly true when you could see Marianne Vos facing off against Laura Trott in a cycling battle royale. Events took place at the Manchester Velodrome, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, and the Olympic Velodrome in London.
Rapha Women’s 100
On Sunday 20th July, over 8,000 women took part in the Rapha Women’s 100. Rapha have always been about the lifestyle and ethos of cycling, as well as just the act of riding, and this event encouraged women wherever they were to cycle 100 kilometers in solidarity. Over 350 local rides were set up by volunteers, and many more women pledged to participate. The whole experience was shared globally through twitter and facebook.
BHF London to Brighton
One of the original charity cycling events, the iconic British Heart Foundation London to Brighton cycle ride attracts thousands of people every year. It’s one of the most fun, supportive events on the cycling calendar, and it’s proved a catalyst for encouraging huge numbers of women into cycling. Participants on everything from road bikes to folding bikes are welcome, raising money for an excellent cause, and enjoying the 54 mile route which is always lined with cheering supporters and handy refreshments stops.
