Press Releases

Wattbike launches Power Cycling initiative in partnership with British Cycling

? New approach to indoor recreational cycling will improve cycling technique and fitness
? Provides an authentic link between indoor and outdoor cycling

Nottingham, 20th September, 2011 - Wattbike today announced the launch of Power Cycling, a new concept in indoor group cycling for the health and fitness sector, backed by British Cycling, the national governing body for cycling.

Power Cycling is the latest initiative in the new relationship between Wattbike and British Cycling. Every accredited instructor will become a British Cycling member and be at the forefront of improving cycling technique and increasing fitness through indoor cycling.

Offering a new approach to indoor group cycling, Power Cycling allows an individual to exercise in a group but at their own optimum fitness level, based on highly accurate real-time data on their power, heart rate and cadence. Traditionally, indoor group cycling sessions have been unable to differentiate between varying levels of fitness amongst participants.

Power Cycling also provides the broader population with an interest in fitness to engage with cycling in a safe and controlled environment, whilst providing an authentic link between indoor cycling and outdoor cycling. Participants will have the opportunity to become British Cycling Members and benefit from a range of offers and advice.

To support group Power Cycling sessions, Wattbike has developed a special Power Cycling software package that allows data from participating Wattbikes to be displayed on large screen displays in gyms.

Stewart Kellett, British Cycling Director of Recreation and Partnerships said: “‘We are constantly innovating in order to reach our target of getting one million more people into riding bikes by 2013. We’ve developed new activities and events from Sky Ride to women-only recreational rides. To continue to reach new people in new ways, were working with partners to make it as easy as possible to find a bike riding opportunity.”

“Indoor cycling is part of this mix. We believe an indoor cycling experience should be authentic and fun - as challenging and invigorating as getting out on the road. Wattbike gives new and regular cyclists a unique experience. Your riding position is natural and at the same time you are learning about your cycling technique, power output and pedalling effectiveness which you can apply in mountain, road or track cycling. And it’s also fun way to improve your fitness in a social environment. Wattbike and indoor cycling is an important part of how we will reach 1m more cyclists, and have a lot of fun on the way.”

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of Wattbike said: “Power Cycling is set to revolutionise indoor group cycling. Power Cycling appeals to a whole new set of people who have never previously trained indoors. With the backing of British Cycling we see Power Cycling as the ultimate solution for those wanting to stay fit and improve upon their cycling technique throughout the winter months. The detailed feedback from the Wattbike, combined with our new Power Cycling software, is a compelling combination.”

The Wattbike mirrors the experience of riding a real bike, while enabling the user to monitor and record key performance parameters in real-time with an unrivalled level of accuracy. Capturing results to this level of detail encourages smarter training for the individual; allows each user to fine-tune their cycling technique; and to adhere to training programs that achieve performance, health or fitness goals with a minimum commitment of time.

High res images of group Power Cycling sessions and the Power Cycling Software are available at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjwh5ZSu

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Notes to Editors:

About Wattbike
Launched to the public in 2008, Wattbike quickly established itself as the indoor cycle trainer of choice for elite athletes, gym chains and the home fitness market. The founders of Wattbike approached British Cycling with the idea to create an indoor bike which accurately measures a range of high-performance parameters; six years later the governing body was satisfied that the Wattbike met their criteria and today Wattbike remains the first and only indoor cycle trainer to be endorsed by British
Cycling. For more information visit http://www.wattbike.com

About British Cycling
As the national governing body for cycling, British Cycling is responsible for governing the development of the sport in England and is also the home to the GB Cycling Team which won 34 medals at the 2008 Beijing Games making it Britain's most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport. With London 2012 on the horizon, British Cycling has a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire mass participation in the sport and together with BSkyB, its principal partner, aims to get one million more people cycling regularly by 2013. To facilitate this increase in participation, British Cycling manages a range of coaching qualifications and courses, from grassroots level to elite, and runs the Go-Ride development programme for young people to support their progress in the sport. It also underpins and co-ordinates the organisation of over 3,000 sporting and recreational cycling events every year. British Cycling has over 38,000 members who enjoy a range of benefits from retail discounts and special offers, to legal support and insurance. All membership revenue is invested back into the sport. The organisation also receives Lottery and Exchequer funding via UK Sport and Sport England. For more information, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk


Contact

Wattbike
Matt Moran
PR Manager
m. +44 (0)7739 327 100
e. mattm@wattbike.com

British Cycling
Iga Kowalska-Owen
Senior Press Officer
British Cycling
t. 0161 274 2115
m. 07832 259 512
e. igakowalska-owen@britishcycling.org.uk