A WOMEN-only cycling event championed by two-time Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton will come to Scotland for the first time this autumn.

Cycletta – which aims to make cycling more accessible to women across the UK – will stage an event at Scone Palace, Perthshire, on September 15, offering a mass-participation ride over safe, well-managed roads.

Open to women of all ages and abilities, distances start from 20km (12 miles). There will also be a classic route of 40km and a longer challenge course of 52km-82km.

For younger cyclists a Scootathlon, aimed at boys and girls aged between four and eight, will involve a scoot, bike and run.

Cycletta is part of the Human Race Women Only series, which includes triathlon, swimming, running and cycling events. The official charity partner is Macmillan Cancer Support.

It is hoped that event ambassador Pendleton, who has been involved since the series began in 2011, will be joining riders on the day.

Pendleton said: "It is fantastic to see Cycletta continue to grow in popularity with events now taking place all over the country and launching in Scotland, where the scenery is fantastic and the welcome for cyclists warm and friendly."

She added: "There are many reasons why women should get out on their bikes: whether it's to commute to work, keep fit, socialise or to raise money for a good cause like Macmillan Cancer Support."