A scheme encouraging women to take up cycling is coming to Monmouthshire this autumn. Breeze, an award-winning women's participation programme run by British Cycling, is being extended thanks to funding from Sport Wales. Year-long pilot schemes will be run in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea as well as Monmouthshire before a Wales-wide roll out in autumn 2015. With Welsh cycling champions like Becky James, Elinor Barker and Manon Carpenter doing it for the girls on the world stage, Welsh Cycling want to get more women on bikes as part of their vision to inspire Wales to cycle. Georgina Harper, the national development manager for Welsh Cycling, said: "It is an exciting time for cycling in Wales and we are pleased to be able to offer a participation pathway in Wales for women who simply want to ride their bike in the company of other women and led by female ride leaders." Breeze offers women flexible, safe, accessible and fun opportunities to ride a bike as well as training and support. The rides are organised by British Cycling's trained local Breeze champions; female volunteers who lead the cycle rides, and aim to fit around busy work and family lives.  They are free, friendly and open to women of all ages and abilities. Sport Wales CEO Sarah Powell said: "Shrinking the participation gap in sport between men and women is central to Sport Wales strategy and the opportunity to invest in programmes such as this will help us achieve this outcome." As part of the pilot, 60 Welsh Breeze champions will undergo training and receive support from the Breeze network. For more information regarding Breeze in Wales contact Cat Crimmins, Breeze co-ordinator, on 01633 274691 or at [email protected]">[email protected]