Filles a Velo Shape Shifts

by Leigh Marshall | Feb 24, 2014

Ok, I’ve used a fair bit of creative license with this blog title.  Just humour me…

Some of you will have heard of Filles a Velo, some may even have followed it from its beginnings in 2010 as a blog about British women’s cycling.  Some supported and contributed content and interviews and some publicly berated me via social media when I decided to stop the blog at the start of last year.

In a nutshell, I had to pause for thought.  I was a one woman band.  Just an impassioned fan.  I got busy working on other time consuming cycling projects and events.  It became a straight up choice between spending what free time I had with my family (husband & kids) or on Filles a Velo.  No contest.

Women’s cycling had suddenly become the “in thing” since the 2012 Olympics.  Overnight the internet was awash with “experts”.  New websites dedicated to women’s cycling popped up.  Helping to raise the profile of the sport, culture and lifestyle.  Women’s cycling was finally getting coverage.  Yes, it was still woefully inadequate for women in comparison to men, but it was getting better.  The tide was turning slowly.

However, I had no plans to completely step away.  Throughout 2013 I was involved in the organising and delivery of women’s cycling events and initiatives for Scottish Cycling.  This led on to many discussions and the shape shifting bit…

In December 2013 Filles a Velo was relaunched as Filles a Velo Cycling Club.  A National Cycling Club and Network for Women across Scotland. (affiliated to both Scottish Cycling and CTC Scotland).

2013 Women’s Road Academy

Filles a Velo CC is an initiative led by a group of women who saw the need for an increased level of support for women’s cycle sport in Scotland.

It was set up to provide a badly needed framework of support to the growing number of female cyclists from all cycling disciplines in Scotland.

Cycling provides opportunities for increasing social interaction in both urban and rural areas, improving physical and mental wellbeing, increasing confidence and skills.

Building on the success of last years women’s road academy and track school we will be working in partnership with local cycling clubs, regional cycling associations, Scottish Cycling and other relevant organisations to organise and deliver a series of women only coach led cycling events for novice and intermediate level on the road (closed circuits) and track (indoor and outdoor).

Online entry is now open for the first events – further details can be found here!

The time is now for women’s cycling globally and nationally.  Get involved and help us get more women on their bikes more often across Scotland!

2013 Women’s Track School

For more information on Filles a Velo CC and to book onto an event check out the club’s twitter, facebook and website.