The Ribble Rebellion team will be racing at the US Armed Forces Cycling Classic on June 1-2, 2024 with some specially outfitted bikes.
Designed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, riders Cole Davis (USA) will be racing on Ribble’s Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition alongside Matthew Bostock (UK) who will be riding Ribble’s Ultra SL R Forces Special Edition.
Both bikes have taken their design inspiration from British and US aeroplanes used in World War II and have been masterminded by Jamie Burrow, Ribble’s Head of Product.
Ribble Rebellion, a new racing team founded by Ribble Cycles, is comprised of nine crit riders and features a roster of UK, US and European cycling talent.
Ribble’s Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition, named ‘Rebellious Ribble’ after the team, takes its artistic interpretation and cue from the USAF WWII P-51 Mustang – featuring allied D-Day stripes, a yellow nose, USAF insignia and D-Day anniversary motifs on a silver fuselage. The design has been applied to Ribble’s flagship road model, the aerodynamically optimised Ultra SL R.
The carbon monocoque frame and aero integrated handlebar are paired with Ultegra Di2 (8100 2×12-speed) groupset, Rotor 56T/44T chainrings, Zipp 454 NSW Tubeless Disc Wheelset, Pirelli P Zero Race tubeless tyres. After racing, the machine will be auctioned to raise funds for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).
“The 80th D-Day anniversary gave our in-house product, design and paint teams a fantastic opportunity to create a unique bike to mark this incredible date,” said Sasha Castling Head of Marketing & PR Ribble Cycles.
“The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is a landmark race in the US cycling calendar and this year will feature two allied forces inspired designs – the P-51 Mustang inspired design with its striking yellow nose and metallic silver fuselage for American rider Cole Davis who will be joined by Matthew Bostock riding the British Spitfire inspired Ultra on the start line alongside their fellow Ribble Rebellion riders.
“Working with the Armed Forces Cycling Classic we got to understand just what a special event this was. It’s our first time at this race and being invited is such a huge privilege. To mark this occasion, the P-51 Mustang Ultra SL R will be auctioned for TAPS helping to raise awareness and funds for their outstanding work and dedication.”
Robert Laybourn, founder and organizer of the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, presented by Boeing, said “I am so proud and honoured to be working with Ribble on this special, one-of-a-kind custom bike auction.
“It was such a serendipitous effort, as they are honouring the D-Day anniversary. What better way to do this than at the Armed Forces Cycling Classic.”
www.cyclingclassic.org
www.taps.org
www.ribblecycles.co.uk
