Ribble Rebellion squadron will be competing at the US Armed Forces Cycling Classic this weekend on specially designed bikes commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Cole Davis will race on Ribble’s Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition, while Matthew Bostock will ride the Ribble Ultra SL R Forces Special Edition. These unique bikes, inspired by British and US WWII aeroplanes, were created by Jamie Burrow, Ribble’s Head of Product.
The Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition, known as ‘Rebellious Ribble’, draws its design from the USAF WWII P-51 Mustang. Featuring Allied D-Day stripes, a yellow nose, USAF insignia, and a D-Day anniversary emblem, the design adorns Ribble’s top road model, the aerodynamically optimised Ultra SL R. This bike is one of the fastest in the world, equipped with a carbon monocoque frame, Ultra aero integrated handlebar, Ultegra Di2 (8100 2×12-speed) groupset, Rotor 56T/44T chainrings, Zipp 454 NSW Tubeless Disc Wheelset, Pirelli P Zero Race Tubeless Tyres (Tan, 28mm), Ribble Ultra SL R Seatpost (10mm layback), and a Selle Italia SLR Boost saddle. This impressive machine will be auctioned to raise funds for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).
Sasha Castling, Head of Marketing & PR at Ribble Cycles, shared, “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. The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is a landmark race in the US cycling calendar, featuring two allied forces-inspired designs: the P-51 Mustang-inspired bike with its striking yellow nose and metallic silver fuselage for American rider Cole Davis, and the British Spitfire-inspired Ultra for Matthew Bostock, who will be riding alongside their fellow Ribble Rebellion riders.”
Castling added, “Working with Rob at the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, we understood what a special event this was. It’s our first time at this race, and being invited is 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.”
Cole Davis expressed his excitement: “I’m over the moon to be racing the ‘Mustang’ at Armed Forces. When I first saw the paint scheme, I was hoping the bike would ‘mysteriously disappear’ after the race and end up in my garage! Learning about the auction, I couldn’t be happier and feel more proud. As athletes, we have a spotlight, and we often forget how to use it. With the money going towards TAPS, it feels like we are able to impact something much bigger than ourselves. I cannot imagine the sacrifices that military families have made, but I have the utmost respect for them and appreciate all that they do to keep us safe.”
Davis added, “This project also gives me an additional sense of pride to be a part of our team. Being the only American on the roster, I wouldn’t have expected us to raise money to help benefit, but I love that we are doing it!”
Robert Laybourn, Founder and Organiser of the 26th Edition of the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, presented by The Boeing Company, remarked, “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?”
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is on the 1st and 2nd of June and will feature five Ribble Rebellion riders.
For more information on AFCC and the TAPS auction, visit here.
