Three women from Moray have been named among the most exceptional women in cycling, revealed today (Thursday 23 November 2023) by Cycling UK through its annual 100 Women in Cycling list.
Founder of RideOut coaching and Limitlass MTB Festival, Anna Riddell, and co-founders of the Elgin Cycling Club ladies’ group, Diane Maciver and Lorna Breetzke, were recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.
Each year, the UK’s cycling charity recognises women from all corners of the cycling world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to cycle and thus helping make cycling a more inclusive space.
Despite the 2021 census showing there are more women than men in the UK, men are much more likely to cycle regularly than women. Cycling UK wants to show through its annual celebration of these inspiring individuals that cycling can be for everyone – no matter your gender, background or ability.
Awards are given for a wide range of achievements that have helped inspire more women from diverse backgrounds to get on a bike. They are given in four categories: community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer and sporting hero.
Anna Riddell
After having her first child, Anna Riddell, 42, turned mountain biking from a hobby to a full-time job. She founded RideOut Coaching to share her infectious love of MTB with others, offering coaching and guiding across Scotland. She then founded Limitlass festival with Fiona Finnie and Katie May, and is also well-known on the Scottish enduro circuit.
Anna said: “I experienced so much joy and confidence from gaining my qualifications and progressing in the sport, meeting incredible people along the way. I have seen 100s of riders achieve things they never thought possible. Seeing riders shine is my passion.”
Diane Maciver
Passionate about getting women into cycling, Diane Maciver, 50, is a major influence at Elgin Cycling Club – she developed their ladies’ group and built the club to a 50:50 male/female split. She’s developed projects to encourage women, secured funding and used social media to spotlight women’s achievements. Diane is a member of the Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group and involved in the Scottish Cycling #BikeAndBlether project, promoting mental health issues.
Diane said: “In 2019 I tragically lost my best friend at the age of 45 to a massive heart attack. To help with the grief I thrived my passion for cycling more.”
Lorna Breetzke
Lorna Breetzke, 44, has spent the last four years making Elgin Cycling Club more inclusive. After co-founding ECC Ladies, the club’s low women’s participation has rocketed to 95 members, making up 50% of the club’s total membership.
Lorna then turned her hand to improving women’s involvement in racing, which now sees many women racing in the club’s summertime trial league. Lorna also races multiple disciplines to a high level.
Lorna said: “I found cycling at a very hard time in my life in 2017. The minute I jumped on a bike I felt something I never had before. I believe the bicycle can save lives, including mine.”
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors and we want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling. But in the UK, substantially fewer women ride than men. It’s our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders.
“A great way to encourage more women to cycle is to share the stories of these amazing women – whether they’re chronicling their adventures on social media, advocating for better infrastructure in their neighbourhoods, inspiring their communities to join them for a ride or winning medals around the world.
“Choosing the top one hundred winners involves some really tough choices – there are so many brilliant women out there who we’d want to celebrate.”
To see the full list, visit Cycling UK’s website: https://www.cyclinguk.org/100women/2023
Pictured left to right are Anna, Diane and Lorna.