As the 2010 racing season comes to an end plans are already underway for 2011. Some exciting news for women racing is the merger of WE RACE and the Southeast Women’s (SEW) Cycling series. Collectively it will be known as WE RACE. By combining efforts WE RACE’s ultimate goal is to grow the sport of women’s cycling by providing an environment that is both challenging and fun.

In an effort to encourage and grow women racing WE RACE was started by Kenda teammates Nicole Johnson and Catherine James.

“We love this sport and feel it’s time to put some energy and resources into place to insure this sport stays alive and encourages growth”, said Johnson.

SEW’s currect director Leigh Hopkins adds, “We have decided to bring these two series together to offer women the experience and support they need to excel.”

In 2011 the WE RACE series will include at least six races with points awarded to attendance, results and a team competition. To be considered for WE RACE status the promoter must offer a separate women’s category Pro/1/2/3 and a women’s category 4/5 field. Also the prize money must be equal in scale to the men’s Pro/1/2 field. At the conclusion of the series prizes will be awarded to the overall winner in each women’s category 1/ 2, women’s category 3 and category 4 field.

For the first time beginner racer the promoters will offer free educational clinics at each race. USA Cycling is encouraging at category 4 women to attend a clinic before requesting a category upgrade. The topics will include race strategy, etiquette, cornering, and team work.

While the road season is at an end, cyclocross is just starting. Each year this winter sport gains popularity here in the States. No more evidence of that is the UCI recently awarding the 2013 Cyclocross World Championships to Louisville, Kentucky. To further promote the growth of this discipline HCCX is promoting a women’s clinic October 16^th in Boone, North Carolina. The clinic will feature instruction from pro racer Allison Powers. Along with expert advice a catered lunch is offered. Space is limited so register sooner than later.

A three-day women’s camp is being offered October 22 through the 24^th in Asheville, North Carolina and is also featuring Allison Powers as well as the 2009 NRC’s most improved, Robin Farina. The camp will include such topics as strategy, training, and riding skills. Don’t worry about fitness level as the purpose of the camp is to show campers how to race their bike.

Links
Southeast Women’s Cycling
SEW Facebook
SEW Twitter
WE RACE Facebook