Coach Handford Earns Grants for Canadian Team

Martha Handford, a Canadian Elite Mountain Biker/Cyclocross Racer and current Sport Factory coach, also coaches a women's road cycling club/race team, The CycloBellas, in her native Canada.  As a result of Martha’s initiative and hard work, this team was recently awarded two national grants for its commitment to encouraging women's participation in cycling through the creation of a program called Riders 2 Racers.

Additionally, Martha was successful in securing a Female Participation Grant from the Canadian Cycling Association for the Rider 2 Racer program.

Incidentally, the founder of the CycloBellas is Bobbi Handford, a Sport Factory athlete that Martha also coaches. 

Congratulations to Martha, Bobbie, and the Cyclobellas for seeking out every opportunity to expand the possibilities for women in sport in Canada.  The Sport Factory is proud of our coaches and athletes, at home and abroad, as they break down the barriers, create new opportunities, and demonstrate leadership in their sport.

Additional information from  the Canadian Cyclist press release about the award recipients:  

Cyclo Bellas
Cyclo Bellas, a women's only road riding group affiliated with the Alberta Bicycle Association, was created in 2010 with the primary goal of providing women interested in racing with a comfortable and supportive launching point to kick start their racing career. CycloBellas helps address would-be barriers for first time racers, such as obtaining a race license, developing basic race skills and understanding race rules - providing potential racers the information, skills and confidence needed to ensure a positive first race experience. The success of their first season has prompted CycloBellas to expand their Rider-to-Racer program, an eight-week training program led by a NCCP-certified coach that includes clinics on bike maintenance, nutrition, road riding skills and strategy, and a final "newbie" race. The WISE Fund will enable two members of CycloBellas to attend their first NCCP coaching course to further develop the capacity of the group. These newly trained coaches will then assist in delivering the Rider-to-Racer program. Part of the funds will also be dedicated to subsidizing entry fees for all new racers attending the "newbie race".