CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation, have announced two women-only sportives for 2011.

The CTC Cycle Champions programme will host two event, the first in Leeds on June 12 and the second in Reading on September 18. 

Both events will have three distances on offer – 25, 50 and 80km – with full route signage, feed stops and mechanical back-up on the route.

Thanks to Big Lottery Funding, entry fee will be £10 with all profits going back into local cycling projects.

The Leeds event will see the 25 and 50km distances take in the quiet lanes around the area, avoiding any major climbs, ideal for novice riders. The 80km route will pass through Otley, with steep descents and long climbs recommended only for experienced cyclists.

The Reading event will start and finish from the west of the city at Theale and follow the same mantra as the Leeds ride, with all three routes heading out through the countryside before the 80km breaks on a more challenging route.

The CTC Cycle Champions aims programme encourage traditionally hard-to-reach groups to start cycling or help them cycle more. The local Cycle Champions development officer in each region will be running a series of training rides and courses in the run up to each event with the emphasis on building up to the sportive day.

Steve Bailey, CTC Cycle Champions UK manager, said: “Having made huge strides in the effort to bring more women into cycling, the natural progression was to create larger events like these where like minded women could cycle together.

“With a selection of routes to suit all abilities, the emphasis is on taking part and getting out in ‘real world’ riding conditions to encourage more cycle usage not just leading up to the event but also after.'”

For more information and to enter, head to www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk