Ribble Rebellion to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day with special edition bikes

Ribble Rebellion squadron will be racing at the US Armed Forces Cycling Classic this weekend on some special equipment.

Designed to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, 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.

Sasha Castling, head of marketing and PR at Ribble Cycles, commented: “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 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 Rob at 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.”

Ribble’s Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition, aptly named ‘Rebellious Ribble’ after the team, takes its artistic interpretation and cue from the USAF WWII P-51 Mustang.

Featuring Allied D-Day stripes, yellow nose, USAF insignia and D-Day anniversary 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 Ultra 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, Tan, 28mm, Ribble Ultra SL R Seatpost (10mm lay back) and a Selle Italia SLR Boost saddle – the machine will be auctioned to raise funds for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).

Robert Laybourn, founder and organiser of the 26th Edition of the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, presented by The Boeing Company, added: “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 June 1 and 2, and will feature five Ribble Rebellion riders.

The bikes will be auctioned off to support veterans and their families, with the auction going live on May 30. Find the auction link here.

For more information on the AFCC and TAPS auction, click here.