When it comes to genre-defining races, Redlands is arguably the one to rule them all. For the first time, the historic British brand has a team taking centre stage at the Californian Classic.
Ribble's long association with cycle racing echoes throughout the annals of history. Ribble bikes featured in competitive racing as far back as the 1950s when Ribble was the bike of choice for Team GB at the iconic Milk race. So, the launch of the crit-focused Ribble Rebellion team marks a welcome return to Ribble's long-established involvement in elite-level bike racing.
Albeit one that represents a significant departure from the brand's core racing philosophy. In recent times, the sight of Ribble bikes flashing by excited spectators has been reserved almost exclusively for UK racing fans. Yet with the stated aim of disrupting the global crit scene, Ribble Rebellion exposes cycling fans across the world to the fastest aero bike Ribble has ever produced, the Ultra SL R.
To increase the teams odds of success on the global crit scene, Ribble has assembled a highly impressive rider roster. Top talent has been recruited from across Europe and North America, established names that will make a splash on the crit circuit, especially factoring in the 'Colour Clash' colour scheme adorning both bikes and riders in 2024 (more on this below).
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All roads lead to Redlands
Born on the back of the 1984 Olympics, Redlands is the longest-running invitational stage race in the US. But to refer to Redlands as simply a stage race is a huge disservice. Instead, it's a true celebration of cycling. An entire community coming out to play host to the influx of athletes who descend on the city annually. Where else would you find residents willing to open up their homes to shelter strangers for the duration of the event? This local community spirit and public support for cycle racing in its many guises separates Redlands from the rest.
Redlands allows riders from all age groups to showcase their talents over five days of breathless race action. Ribble Rebellion aims to upset the applecart and upstage the US teams involved. Their campaign begins with the City of Highland Circuit Race on Wednesday and concludes with the City of Redlands Sunset Road Race on Sunday. This hotly contested event finale is a twelve-lap tear-up of downtown Redlands. The overall winner is crowned at the cessation of Sunday's race proceedings.
Ribble Rebellion Race Kit
The riders were presented with their brand new race kit upon arrival in the US. Ribble has teamed up with premium endurance sport apparel brand HUUB to launch the Ribble Rebellion race team kit.
Created as the perfect accompaniment to the Ribble Rebellion Ultra SL R team bikes piloted by the riders at Redlands, this ‘Colour Clash’ team kit ensures the team stands out from the pack on the dynamic crit racing scene. Designed in-house by Ribble, the kit employs the very latest HUUB technologies to ensure optimal performance in combination with the world-class aerodynamic performance offered by the ultra-fast Ribble Ultra SL R.
Though not available for sale just yet, HUUB will make the Ribble Rebellion race kit available for sale soon.
Team Line-up
Ribble Rebellion enters the race, boasting a hugely impressive and experienced team line-up. Headed up by Girona-based team captain Joe Laverick, it can count a former US Road Race Champion and UK National Crit Champion amongst its ranks. The full team line-up for Redlands reads as follows:
- Joe Laverick - Team Captain
- Cole Davis - 2017 US National Road Champion
- Matt Bostock - 2019/2022 UK National Criterium Champion
- Al Murison - Redlands 2023 Green Sprinter Jersey Winner
- Max Rushby - Former Junior European Track Champion
- Jim Brown - Multiple UCI Podiums
One the eve of the race, we caught up with a couple of the guys to ask them some hard-hitting questions:
If you had to bet on one rider from Rebellion pulling out a stage win at Redlands, who would your money be on?
Cole on stage 1: he’s come 1st and 2nd there before!
Redlands is a real festival of cycling. What is it about the event that makes it so special?
The weather, palm trees and mountainous back drop make it a tough event to miss.
How many races will you compete in over the course of the 5 days?
It’s 5 stages in 5 days. And a nice mix too. Three road stages, one tt and one crit.
**Which event are you looking forward to racing most, and why? **
I’m most looking forward to the crit races, they're the events that suit our skillset the best.
Describe your Ultra SL R team bike in three words.
Just insanely fast.
If you had to bet on one rider from Rebellion pulling out a stage win at Redlands, who would your money be on?
I'd put my money on Matt. Just with the sheer amount of experience he’s got at winning races. I think he’s got a win in the bag this week.
Redlands is a real festival of cycling. What is it about the event that makes it so special?
The really cool thing about Redlands is how the whole community are all involved. We were invited into schools where all the kids were excited to come and watch the racing . Even people in the supermarket who noticed our accents asked if we were here for the race. It also helps when you’re racing in California!
**Which event are you looking forward to racing most in 2024, and why? **
I’m looking forward to all of the Northern American crit blocks. Being in the States and doing crits every day at the longer week-long events will be a great experience and suit us to get some good results.
Describe your Ultra SL R team bike in three words.
Aero. Fast. Bright.
If you had to bet on one rider from Rebellion pulling out a stage win at Redlands, who would your money be on?
I would bet on Bostock to win the crit.
Redlands is a real festival of cycling. What is it about the event that makes it so special?
Redlands is a special event because of the community. With every team staying in host housing, we get to see what this historic event means to the locals and how much pride they take in it. Personally, Redlands is special to me because it is one of the closest races to home and an event that my family drives down to watch.
Which event are you looking forward to racing most in 2024, and why? Having won the Highland circuit (stage 1) in the past, it is a day that I always focus on but for this year I am most excited about Sunset (stage 5). It's the type of circuit that requires a combination of strength, race craft and a strong team. Something that all of us on Ribble Rebellion have in abundance. I believe that any of us are capable of winning that stage and it should make for an exciting dynamic.
Describe your Ultra SL R bike in three words. Stiff. Rapid. Eye-catching.
Ribble Rebellion's Redlands Team Bike
Designed to disrupt, the Ribble Rebellion Ultra SL R - Team Edition features a top-tier component selection and an eye-popping custom colour paint scheme that's easy to pick out in the bunch. Each team bike features a different colour cockpit, making it easy to distinguish between the riders amid the heat of the action. The complete spec list reads as follows:
- Frame & Forks: Ribble Ultra SL R Disc (Toray T1000/T800 Carbon Monocoque)
- Handlebars: Ribble Ultra Aero Carbon Integrated
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 2x12-Speed with Rotor Aero 56/44T chainrings
- Wheels: Mavic Comic SL 65 Tubeless Disc
- Tyres: Continental GP5000 S TR, 700x28c, Black
- Seatpost: Ribble Ultra SL R Carbon 10mm Layback
- Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost
- Paint Scheme: Colour Clash
if you enjoyed reading this blog, why not check out the Ribble Rebellion Unleashed launch blog?
