Cyclesport Victoria

The Breeze rides program, aimed at getting more women cycling in Victoria, kicked off training for ride leaders at the Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC) on Sunday.

Breeze is a Cycling Victoria program supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria. The program involves training women to become ride leaders and provides ongoing support for establishing a network of women-only rides across Victoria. The rides will provide opportunities for interested females, regardless of their experience or fitness level, to learn skills and improve confidence on the bike.

Since the program was announced in September 2012, 54 women have applied to become Breeze ride leaders. As a ride leader, participants receive training in ride leadership, how to organise and sustain new rides, and First Aid qualifications. Leaders also become accredited AustCycle teachers, an entry level cycling program recognised under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme.

Twenty-six women participated in the first phase of training on Sunday, learning from experienced leaders of established women’s rides in Warragul and Ocean Grove, as well as obtaining their First Aid qualifications. A dedicated AustCycle training program will be provided on November 10 and 11, with additional financial support from AustCycle, Cycling Australia and the Australia Sports Commission Women in Leadership funding program.

Cycling Victoria will continue to provide opportunities for women to become ride leaders over the next twelve months. Interested women should register via BreezeRides.com.au or by contacting Breeze Program Coordinator, Natasha Mitchell on Natasha.Mitchell@cycling.org.au