International cycling team join forces with the Red Kite Ride to promote participation, inclusivity and equality for womens cycling
The Marlow Red Kite Ride sportive, this year taking place on Sunday 5 September 2021, is delighted to announce that the InternationElles will be taking part.
Fresh from completing their Guinness World Record for the fastest time from Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) by a 4 person relay team in just 46 hours and 3 minutes, the UK contingent of the InternationElles will ride the 100 mile route of the Red Kite Ride.
Louise Vardeman, one of the founder members of the InternationElles and Marlow
resident said; “We are passionate about promoting and supporting greater accessibility for women’s cycling, particularly at the grass roots level. My team members and I are excited to ride the 100 mile course of the Red Kite Ride and hope to ride with as many other women as possible.”
Organised and run by Marlow Riders, the Red Kite Ride is run by cyclists for cyclists. The sportive showcases the beautiful countryside around Marlow, taking riders into the Chilterns, a top UK cycling destination. There are three routes of 50, 80 and 100 miles through rolling countryside providing challenging climbs rewarded with sweeping descents, well stocked feed stations and a BBQ and Marlow FM to welcome riders back.
Now in its 10th year, but only the 9th edition of the ride as it was cancelled last year due to COVID, the Red Kite Ride has raised over £70,000 for local charities. This year the charities nominated by Marlow Riders members include Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Wycombe Homeless Connection, Younger People with Dementia, Samaritans Slough Windsor & Maidenhead, and Marlow Sports Club.
Sportive Director, Graeme Badenoch commented; “The Red Kite Ride has a loyal following with many riders returning year after year however, we are always keen to extend our appeal. The InternationElles have been part of an impressive campaign to see the return of a Women’s Tour de France race, which is to be introduced in 2022. We are delighted that they are to take part in the Red Kite Ride, which we hope will raise the profile of our event with more female riders.”
Russell King, Chair of Marlow Riders said; “We are looking forward to once again running the Red Kite Ride after having missed a year in which so many events sadly had to be cancelled. We have been heartened by the large number of early rider registrations, due to pent up demand, however, we still have places available, and with three routes to choose from, there is something suitable for most levels of rider.”
