International Women’s Day was on Tuesday, and we’ve had a bumper week of content across the week, celebrating some of the brilliant women involved in cycling in Scotland. We have shared articles highlighting how cycling can change women's lives, given voice to the experience of one of our Young People's Panel of having an inspiring role model and delivered an International Women’s Day message from Scottish Cycling’s first ever female President.

Kathy Gilchrist, Scottish Cycling President, shares her thoughts on International Women’s Day

We were treated to an interview with Kathy by Kirsteen Durkin, from our Women’s Development Group, who describes her history in cycling, highlighting the lack of opportunities for women when she started out. By becoming the first female President of Scottish Cycling Kathy has shattered a glass ceiling and she acknowledges the value and importance of having women in leadership positions and shares her thoughts about the future for women in cycling.

Watch Kathy and Kirsteen’s interview, and read Kathy’s International Women’s Day message, here.

Breaking the Bias with Sarah Rowe

Molly Evans from our Young People’s Panel interviewed her coach, Sarah Rowe, about her experiences coaching within a traditionally male-dominated field and spoke to some of the young riders about their experiences of being coached by Sarah.

Read Molly’s article on Sarah Rowe here.

Cycling Changes Women’s Lives

Kris Kumari shared her story of taking up cycling in her 50s and challenging herself on long-distance events and sportives. She’s applying her experience in her role as a member of the Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group. You can read Kris’s story here.

Pauline Capaldi reflected on a negative experience on a mixed group ride that led to her getting involved in Breeze to support women-only rides, that has seen her lead over 100 rides, win an award and join the Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group. Read all about Pauline’s experiences here.

Jenny Rogers spoke about her experiences cycling; initially to commute, then as a new mum, training as a Breeze Champion and finding employment as a Community Outreach Officer at a cycling social enterprise. Find out how cycling has changed Jenny’s life here.

Leanne Whitehead revealed she had been living a sedentary life before she started cycling to work. Since then, she has trained to lead Breeze rides, gained a level 2 mountain bike leadership award, started working as a cycle coach and completed the accreditation to ride on the velodrome track. Read Leanne’s account of her progression in cycling here.

Leanne Farmer described her experiences cycling with her family whilst living in Asia, adapting to the circumstances of her son’s illness by obtaining a handcycle and her family’s adventures cycling home. She now runs her own cycling business, leading tours and teaching people to ride and take care of their bikes. Catch up on Leanne’s chronicles in cycling here.

Feeling inspired to change your life through cycling? Check-out these opportunities available at Scottish Cycling:

-        Join a women-only Breeze ride

-        Train as a Breeze Champion and support women in your local community to (re)discover the joys of cycling

-        Join your friendly local cycling club

-        Learn more about our volunteering and the different opportunities available

-        Our Women’s Development Group is recruiting new members

-        Find out how to become a cycling coach and the Sportscotland and bursary funding available

-        Share your passion for mountain biking by training in mountain bike leadership

-        Ready to race or ride a challenge event? Search here for an event near you