Former Olympian Sian Brice named in Cycling UK's 100 women in cycling

Sian Brice, 50, from St Albans, has been recognised by charity Cycling UK for devoting her time and sharing her professional skills with other women at her Beatbike cycling club.

She has been named in the charity’s list, joining Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and triple Olympic medallist, Victoria Pendleton for their achievements in promoting women's cycling.

Mrs Brice who previously competed in track running at the Commonwealth games in 1986 began her passion for cycling in 1997 when she received National Lottery funding to become a professional triathlon athlete. She then competed in a Triathlon in the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

She decided to start up a cycling club for women in 2012 after she had children.

Mrs Brice said: “Spinning is really intensive and it's exercise that you can do at any level.

“We encourage more women to cycle and aim to get people confident, cycling efficiently, feeling relaxed on their bikes and feeling safe.

“We want to encourage a part of the community, particularly women who have never ridden before and who can be supportive of each other.”

Mrs Brice has found the sport offers physical and mental benefits and positive change for women who take part.

She added: “I found that women can be intimidated by cycling clubs. When I first started there were no other women and I was cycling with men.

“We encourage women to be the best they can be and some of them go through so much, such as health issues or divorce, and we have a community to help them.

“You can’t underestimate the positive effects of doing sport in our busy stressful lives. I’m inspired every time I go out riding and when I see these women overcoming nerves and stress and pushing themselves to get out on their bikes and have a healthy lifestyle.

“The good new is cycling is growing from strength to strength and this can continue if women are spreading the word by encouraging friends and family. There are no barriers to entry for cycling.”