Cornwall-based women’s cycling team owner Jenny Bolsom has been named as one of 11 most inspiring and empowering ‘cycling heroes’ in a list published today by industry leader Cycling UK.

Cycling UK, the UK’s leading cycling charity and pioneer, has named their top 100 women in cycling, recognising those who have inspired others to get on a bike. Jenny Bolsom, owner and team manager of both Saint Piran women’s road team and the newly relaunched Saint Piran women’s mountain bike team, is named in the cycling heroes category. She is one of only 11 women named alongside legends such as Tour de France winner Demi Vollering and World Champion Petra Wiltshire. The nomination recognises the impact Jenny, her staff and riders have had beyond racing; in the communities across the South West.

The Saint Piran women’s programme is focused on breaking down barriers in the male dominated sport. Jenny’s teams run:

The South West women’s road race league
Free mountain bike sessions for women, riding with professional riders across the South West
Free taster sessions for women to ride in a safe environment
Introduction of free women’s race-specific sessions at events within the South West cross country mountain bike league.

Redruth-based Jenny said: “These awards are recognition of a group impact rather than an individual. Over the past three years, our focus has been to take our success in races and use it to inspire women to get on two wheels, often for the first time.

“Cycling UK is a fantastic charity that makes a difference to thousands of lives every day. So the fact we have been recognised for work across the South West is very special. It sets us up for a very special announcement early in 2024.”

Last week, the Saint Piran Cycling Group launched one of the most exciting developments in women’s off-road cycling in the past decade. A women’s mountain bike team focused on increasing women’s participation in off-road cycling, where men outnumber women 4 to 1.

The South West-based Saint Piran Cycling Group is best known for their successful men’s UCI Continental Road Team. But in a shift aligned to their drive to have an impact in racing, cycling and society, Saint Piran has set course to bring more women into mountain biking, cyclocross and gravel over the next five years.

Cornwall’s female cycling team owner named in top 100