Home

Calendar

Racing

Committee

WCRA Rules

Eileen Gray

Results

 A Brief History of the Women's Cycle Racing Association

The Women's Cycle Racing Association has been responsible for the growth and promotion of women's cycling both at home and abroad for over 50 years.

In 1949 a track association was formed, which successfully held a number of events for women on both hard track and grass track, this was eventually renamed the Women's Cycle Racing Association in 1956 when it became clear that more women were racing on the road.  In May 1956 the first National Road Race Championship for women was held and was followed in August of 1958 with the first Women's World Championships, made possible by much lobbying from the members of the WCRA, and at which our first world medals were won, 1 silver and 2 bronze.

During it's early years the association became a major driving force in the sport, organizing many races at home for both British and foreign riders, sending teams to race abroad, and helping to raise money to be able to send teams to the world championships. In 1964 the WCRA became the first association able to invite an East German team to race in Britain, once again a first for the WCRA.

Over the years the WCRA has always been working to improve the sport for women of all ages and abilities, with coaching weekends, handicap racing, international stage races in Britain and sending girls to race in Europe, and our latest success the introduction of the National Championships for Junior and Espoir girls.

A book has been written by Eileen Gray, called Rebel with a Cause which gives an account of the first 21 years of the Association. If you would like a copy, please write to:

Ann Illingworth, Tel.01702 342110
289 Carlton Ave, WESTCLIFFE ON SEA, Essex SS0 0PX
enclosing a cheque for £6 made payable to "WCRA"