Cycling Ulster’s Youth Commission and Women’s Commission are delighted to be working together to promote the “Get Girls Racing” programme.

With three women cyclists, Eileen Burns, Robin Stewart and Lydia Boylan on the NI Commonwealth Games cycling squad and the success of the Ulster team at the 2017 Ras na mBan including Katharine Smyth securing a top ten GC finish the profile of women’s Cycling in Ulster has never been higher.  The Youth Commission and Women’s Commission have decided to launch an innovative new programme to encourage the next generation

The ‘Get Girls Racing’ on their bikes initiative for 2018 will have three development and mentoring days and two closed circuit racing days.

Some of Ulster’s top women cyclists have agreed to give their time to help mentor and enthuse the next bunch of future champions.

The initiative launches on Friday 25th May with a development evening hosted by East Tyrone Cycling Club and based at their Academy HQ at Cookstown High School.

Their lead coach Brian McComb will be supported by some of our top female cyclists on an evening that will focus on group riding for the older more able group and on bike handling for any beginners. The program is open to all Ulster girls from U-8 to junior.

This development evening will be perfect preparation for participation in a number of closed circuit events in June and July including our own festival of Youth Racing at the Eikon arena and a second day of racing in July at Bishopscourt, at each of these there will be race categories for girls

There will be a second day towards the end of July by way of preparation for the busy August month which includes Ulster Championships, Errigal International Tour and the Irish National Championships.

In Late September early October there will be a season finale and celebration of achievement.

The development and race days are for ages from 8 to junior and for all abilities.