'There's only so much food you can force yourself to eat at 2am': Meet the women daring to ride further

Female participation in Audax cycling events remains disproportionately low, with women making up just 15% of members in Audax UK and often opting for shorter distances. Historically, prestigious long-distance events such as Paris-Brest-Paris have seen minimal female involvement, with women only officially allowed to compete since 1931. Audax rides, which are self-supported and timed rather than raced, range from 50km to epic challenges of up to 1,400km, and the sport is now actively seeking to encourage more women through initiatives like the 50:50 events introduced for Audax UK's 50th anniversary. Among the women pushing boundaries is Lucy Choules, a London-based tax accountant who only started cycling in 2020 but has already completed the London-Edinburgh-London ride and aims to qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris in 2027. Choules highlights the importance of mental resilience and consistent fuelling during long rides, emphasising that endurance cycling requires a different mindset from typical dietary advice. She also notes the niche, close-knit nature of the Audax community and hopes her public documentation of her qualifying journey will inspire more women to take on these challenges. Laura Massey-Pugh, a Guinness World Record holder for tandem circumnavigation, also exemplifies the growing female presence in Audax. Introduced to the sport in 2016, she has completed the Super Randonneur series and values the inclusivity within the community despite its male-dominated reputation. Now part of Audax UK's women's strategy group, Massey-Pugh is working to dispel stereotypes and broaden participation by promoting consistent training over sheer mileage, encouraging women to see Audax as accessible and rewarding. The efforts to increase female involvement in Audax reflect a broader push to diversify the sport and challenge entrenched demographics. By spotlighting women’s achievements and creating supportive structures, Audax UK aims to foster a more balanced and vibrant community. As more women like Choules and Massey-Pugh take on ambitious rides and share their experiences, the landscape of long-distance cycling could become more inclusive, inspiring new generations to push their limits.