"In just over a month’s time (20 Jul), nine multinational, tri-service personnel from HQ ARRC will compete in the premier European amateur cycling event, L’Étape du Tour. Internationally acclaimed, the 2009 event rehearses one of the most difficult stages of the Tour de France. The professional peloton will ride the same stage five days after L’Étape du Tour.

 

The 2009 event stretches from Montélimar to Mont Ventoux, crossing the regions of Provence and Vaucluse, and covers a distance of 172 km. The team is unique in that it has been formed from the three different nationalities (British, Danish and Norwegian) and from Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.

 

Whilst the race will the test the physical fitness, stamina and mental toughness of exercising individuals, the impetus behind the team’s participation is to raise funds for you, the Forces Children’s Trust. Tragically, one of my team was killed during a training race three weeks ago. Maj Gareth Rhys-Evans, a company commander with 1 MI Bn, one of the team’s strongest riders and a fluent French speaker was perfectly suited to the team. The poignancy of Gareth’s death, in terms of having chosen to support the Forces Children’s Trust months ago, has hit the team hard. In tribute, the team aim to carry Gareth’s cycling jersey to the top of Mt Ventoux prior to presenting it to Gareth’s wife and two young children. We also intend to set up a Trust Fund for Gareth's children."

 

 

Team members L-R: Lt Cmdr Stuart Sommerville (GBR), WO1 (RSM) Steve Williamson (GBR), Lt Col Klaus Petersen (DNK), Lt Col Adam Fraser-Hitchen (GBR), Maj Anders Wendt (DNK), Flt Lt Simon Blythe (GBR), Lt Col Gavin O’Keeffe (GBR). Absent on duty are Lt Col Scotty Adam (GBR) and Capt Per Dybvad (NOR).