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So what's the event all about!  On the 20 Jul, nine multinational personnel from the UK-led headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), based on the Dutch/German border, took part in the internationally acclaimed cycle race, L’Étape du Tour.  The 2009 event rehearsed one of the most demanding stages of the Tour de France.  The professional peleton rode the same stage five days after L’Etape du Tour.  The 2009 event stretched from Montelimar toMountVentoux, crossing the regions of Provence and Vaucluse, and covering a distance of 172km.   All team members successfully completed the event with finish times between 6 hrs 48 min and 8 hrs.  The team achieved 1 silver medal and 7 bronze medals.

The team is unique in that it was formed from three different nationalities (British, Danish and Norwegian) and from Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.  Whilst the race was an excellent opportunity for general training, the impetus behind the team’s participation was to raise funds for the Forces Children’s Trust.  The Trust supports children from Naval, Army and Airforce families whose parents die whilst serving the Nation.       

Tragically, one of our team members was killed during a time trial in early May.  Maj Gareth Rhys-Evans, a company commander with 1 Military Intelligence Battalion, one of the team’s strongest riders and a fluent French speaker was perfectly suited to the team.  Gareth’s death and the poignancy of having chosen to support the Forces Children’s Trust has hit the team hard.  In tribute, the team carried Gareth’s cycling jersey to the top of Mt Ventoux prior to presenting it to Gareth’s wife and two young children. 

Team members were:

Maj Anders Wendt (DNK), Flt Lt Simon Blythe (GBR RAF), Capt Per Dybvad (NOR), Lt Col Gavin O’Keeffe (GBR), Lt Col Adam Fraser-Hitchen (GBR), Lt Cmdr Stuart Sommerville (GBR RN), WO1 (RSM) Steve Williamson (GBR), Lt Col Klaus Petersen (DNK).

Anyone who would like to acknowledge the team’s efforts can send donations to me, Lt Col Adam Fraser-Hitchen, at CSS Div, HQ ARRC, BFPO 40 with cheques being made out to ‘HQ ARRC Sp Bn Central Bank’ or of course use this site.  All donations will be greatly received and will go to the Forces Children’s Trust.

Thank you for your support.

Adam Fraser-Hitchen