WOMEN across Swindon are being urged to turn to pedal power for a major charity event.

A women-only bike ride will be held in Lydiard Park.

The event, fronted by Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, has two rides of 40km or 60km to raise money for Macmillan Cancer.

Last year around 1,600 women took part in two Cycletta events, and following the success organisers are now holding six events across the UK.

The first took place on Sunday at Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire, and it is now wheeling its way to Lydiard Park on Sunday, June 24.

This year’s event, which is supported by the Swindon Advertiser, is hoping to attract more than 800 female cyclists to enjoy a day out on their bikes, absorbing the outstanding surroundings that Lydiard Park has to offer.

Coun Garry Perkins, cabinet member for culture, said: “I am delighted that Cycletta have chosen Lydiard Park as the venue to host their cycling event, especially as those taking part will be raising money for such a good cause.

“It will be fantastic to see so many cyclists enjoying Lydiard’s beautiful parkland and I would urge as many women as possible to sign up to the event.”

Cycletta ambassador Victoria Pendleton said: “Being able to cycle with so many girls during Cycletta last year was one of my highlights of 2011. 2012 should be a special year and I really hope that thousands more women will join me on a bike this year.

“Cycletta is the perfect event to get on two wheels with the girls and have some fun.”

Although he cannot take part in the event, one person who has seen the benefits of cycling is Paul Greenman. He was a self-confessed slob until he discovered a passion for cycling and went on to shed more than a quarter of his body weight.

The 47-year-old joiner, of Freshbrook, used to spend his evenings in front of the TV drinking beer and eating crisps but now he trains at the gym five times a week to prepare for triathlons and 100-mile cycle races.

“I had been thinking for a while I was getting fat and old, but didn’t actually do anything about it.

“I always put it off until tomorrow and carried on watching rubbish on the box and eating bad stuff,” he said.

“I turned up for a spinning class one night and loved it straight away. It was very fast and really hard work, but boy did you feel good at the end of it. That basically kick started my drive to get really fit and I’ve never looked back.”

Since embarking on his hectic fitness schedule, Paul has completed three triathlons and two half marathons. He has also lost more than three stone in the process.

The health benefits of his new habits are already reaping rewards, as testified by a recent trip to the doctors.

He said: “I had a few health checks and apparently my heart age is 10 years younger. I was over the moon because there’s a long history of heart disease in my family – both my parents died of heart attacks.”

To find out more and to enter the event this summer visit www.cycletta.co.uk.