Today Ribble Cycles unveiled the Ultra SL R Alumni Edition to commemorate its renewed partnership with “The Tour 21” for 2023.
The Tour 21 is the vision of Geoff Thomas MBE, former professional footballer and blood cancer survivor, which sees a team of amateur cyclists (the Alumni) take on the world’s most gruelling cycling challenge by riding the full Tour de France route one week ahead of the professionals.
Starting in Bilbao, the team will follow the same route and complete all 21 stages to raise over £1,000,000 for Cure Leukaemia, the official charity partner of the Tour de France.
Ribble’s The Tour 21 Ultra SL R Alumni Edition showcases a striking design curated as a special and fitting tribute.
Designed by Ribble’s Head of Product and ex-Pro Tour Rider Jamie Burrow, the race machine with its aerodynamically optimised geometry is resplendent with a bespoke pearlescent white frame finished with 24 carat gold leaf detailing that includes the logos of The Tour 21 and Cure Leukaemia.
The forks include a Metallic Midnight Blue and Reflex Blue with striking Sporting Red accents based on the colours of Geoff’s football club, Crystal Palace.
Andy Smallwood, CEO, Ribble Cycles said;
“We are incredibly proud to be a partner of The Tour 21 and to support Geoff and his phenomenal awareness and fundraising mission.
“As cyclists ourselves, we fully appreciate the epic challenge and what it individually takes to complete one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.
“Geoff is an inspiration to us all, completing an incredible tally of Grand Tours that would look amazing on any Pro riders palmarès.
“Ribble’s Tour 21 Ultra SL R Alumni Edition is a superbike designed to celebrate our partnership and The Tour 21 superhuman endeavours.”
The bike is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Zipp 454 NSW carbon wheels and a Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow 3D Printed Saddle.
The Alumni Edition is personally signed and individually numbered by Geoff Thomas and is available only to riders that have undertaken the epic Tour 21 challenge with proceeds going to the charity.