FORMER boxer and cyclist Kelli Salone has launched a new club catering for women who want to build their confidence on road bikes.

Dame Cycling Road Club, which held its first ride on Saturday, aims to leave no woman behind in an effort to get cyclists in Swindon fit for events and happy to compete.

The weekly road club in Hannington has joined its sister group in Cheltenham and Kelli wants to establish other groups in West and central Swindon.

“This is for women who want to push themselves harder on their bike, might be looking for their first event but did not know quite how to get there,” she said.

“We are not just helping women, it is for men as well, and we take people and teach them how to ride in groups, how to drink on their bikes, and generally build up their confidence.

"We babysit them through their first pack ride or their first event.

“The Saturday ride is a typical road club ride but for people who may be intimidated by the groups out there at the moment, who are usually super fit.

"We have got more of a 'softly softly' approach, but it will still give you a good workout.”

The idea for the group came when Kelli re-entered cycling after her stint as a boxer.

“I used to be a downhill mountain bike racer, and cycling was my life before I made the move into boxing,” she said.

“When I came back into cycling I was really surprised at the amount of women taking the sport up, and nobody was really helping them.

"We get them to try it for the first time and they absolutely love it.

“I take people on a journey, either male or female, who are only just learning to ride.

"What is important is we never leave anyone behind, and concentrate on growing, not destroying their confidence."

“The club in Cheltenham launched last weekend, but I have been testing Swindon for the last year, and now I am ready to roll it out.

"It’s for the lady that is fed up of following their husband’s bottom, 500 metres down the road. Couples often go out and ride together, but it can get frustrating trying to sync up.”

Kelli will run a ladies-only event on Mondays, a mixed intermediate on Tuesdays, and the road club on Saturdays, with a short 27-mile option or 45-mile ride.

To get involved call Kelli on 0771 858 5000 or visit Dame Cycling Swindon on Facebook.