Aircraft carrier team cycle capital to capital

FIFTEEN sailors from the Royal Navy’s future Flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, are preparing to cycle their way to charity success covering an impressive 500 miles in just 5 days.

Joined by five of their industry partners from the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, the 20-strong cycle team which includes the Senior Naval Officer, Captain Simon Petitt, will bring together the ship’s affiliated cities of Edinburgh and London.

Meeting the cyclists earlier today, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “The journey celebrates HMS Queen Elizabeth’s affiliation with both Capital cities.  As the largest ship ever built for the Navy, HMS Elizabeth may be a feat of engineering but this challenge will be a feat of strength and endurance for those taking part! The money raised will go directly to The Royal Navy and the Royal Marines Charity, and I wish everyone taking part the best of luck.”

In what will be their biggest challenge to date, the team will be waved off from Edinburgh Castle on Saturday morning and after 5 days in the saddle, will be cheered on at the finish line outside London’s Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon. 

Team captain, Petty Officer ‘Mini’ Cooper (38) said: “This is a fantastic event for the ship and we are delighted to be undertaking it with our friends from industry.   There’s no doubt it will be tough, but we have trained hard and are ready for it. It is all for a great cause.”

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the principal charity of the Royal Navy. It exists to support sailors, marines and their families, for life.  Last year it gave £8 million to people most in need including serving personnel, veterans and families.

The future aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are currently being built in Rosyth.  These ships will deliver fighting power at sea and over land, and will be powerful ambassadors for Britain on the global stage, symbolising our Nation in both steel and spirit.

In a visit to Rosyth earlier this week, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said:

“It is fitting that members of HMS Queen Elizabeth Ship’s Company, together with our industrial partners from the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, are cycling between Edinburgh and the City of London, two of our great capital cities. Most importantly, they are raising money for a really worthwhile charitable cause. I wish them clear skies - and clear roads - for this fantastic endeavour.”