CHALLENGING distances have been added to a Cheshire event that will give women cyclists something to aim for in 2015.

The women-only Macmillan Cycletta Cheshire takes place at Tatton Park on September 27 and organisers have announced new distances of 100km and 150kmalongside the traditional 50km route for this year.

Gillian Daly, from Human Race, which organises the Macmillan Cycletta series, said: "The Macmillan Cycletta has already firmly established itself as the UK's leading series of women-only cycling events.

"What we're now doing is reflecting a growing demand from women for a greater range of distances to ensure there's one that's right for them.

"We're expecting very strong demand for the 50km and 100km rides at Tatton Park, which have shown themselves in recent years to really engage those new to riding in sportives as well as those more experienced cyclists looking to set themselves a challenge.

"But it's the 150km route that we're expecting to attract significant attention.

"When we spoke to female cyclists about our plans, we found that a lot of women were holding themselves back, thinking that sort of distance was too far for them, when in fact they just needed the encouragement of an event to go for it."

Human Race has also announced early bird and group discounts for the event.

Anyone booking before January 31 will receive a £5 discount and group sign-ups will receive five entries for the price of four.

Places on the 150km ride are limited to 300 cyclists for this year.

Gillian said: "If we sell out the longest distance at each of this year's events then we will look at increasing our capacity for next year.

"We're already seeing real excitement about the new distances, which suggests there's a real demand from women with a wide range of abilities for an event that's tailored to them."

For more information visit humanrace.co.uk/events/womenonly/cycletta-cheshire.