Womens only MTB Race in Sheffield

It seem like it not just downhiller’s that are getting more races provided for them in Sheffield; this time it the turn of the endurance XC racers. While strictly not in Sheffield, it’s just over the hill near Dronfield  (that’s good enough for This Is Sheffield, so its ok with us!). Whats more it is for women only; which is good news for all the women who have been coming on the Ride Sheffield social rides. 

Here’s more from  the organiser Emma…

Stilettos on Wheels is a new mountain bike race for women only aimed at creating a greater focus on women in mountain biking. It is set to take place near Sheffield on May 19^th and in Brighton on September 8^th 2012.

Stilettos on Wheels is for both beginners and experienced riders and aims to get more female riders into the sport and give them an opportunity to compete with and against each other. Riders will be able to pick their challenge from a 2 hour or 4 hour race either as a solo rider or as a pair in a relay format.

We know that starting to race can be quite challenging, so we’ve arranged to help our new starters with online advice, where we answer all your questions of how to prepare for a race, what to eat during a race, etc.

The Sheffield round is being held at Birchall Golf and Leisure. Birchall is a popular venue for the Midlands XC series and an unusual race venue in that it is a mix of grassland, great woodland singletrack and golf course! Don’t worry, there’s no danger of riders being taken out by stray golf balls as some holes are closed for the day of the race.

The course is generously being donated for this first SOW event by The Birchall Estate who are also providing free camping on Friday and Saturday nights and hosting a party on Saturday night with a bar and live music.

We are also working to organise an opportunity to pre ride the course during the run up to the event so you can perfect your racing line. Keep an eye on the website for news about this. Please don’t ride at Birchall at any other time as the course is on private land.

The races are inspired by the Danish MTB series heelsonwheels.dk which is now running in it’s 4^th year and famous for its unique atmosphere. The event has become a fixed date in many ladies race calendars and races have an average of 130 competitors of all skill levels taking part.

Details and further information about the races, plus full information and the Brighton round too, can be found on the website www.stilettosonwheels.com and if you have any questions specifically about the Birchall round then please just ask: emma@stilettosonwheels.com

See you on the start line…