When it comes to genre-defining events, Redlands is arguably the one race to rule them all. For the first time in Ribble's esteemed history, we have a team taking centre stage at the Californian Classic.
Ribble's long association with racing can be traced back to the 1950s, when their bikes were selected by team GB to compete at the iconic Milk race. So, the launch of the crit-focused Ribble Rebellion team marks the next exciting chapter in our long-standing history of cycle racing.
Albeit one that represents a significant departure from the brand's core racing philosophy - switching it up from racing domestically to competing in some of the the world's most iconic crit races. Only one goal in mind, to disrupt the glocal crit scene. With nine of the best riders from across the UK, Europe and US, it's time to make some noise and go toe-to-toe with the world's best.
Ribble Rebellion riders will race Redlands armed with the ultra-fast and aero-optimised Ultra SL R. Engineered for performance and designed for impact, the team is set to create a stand out presence with its colour clash design adorning both the bikes and matching kit.
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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 this iconic event as mere stage race is a huge disservice. Instead, it can be more accurately described as a celebration of cycling. An entire community coming out to play host to an influx of athletes who descend on the city annually. Where else would you find residents willing to open up their homes to host 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 their US counterparts. They kickstart their campaign with the City of Highland Circuit Race on Wednesday and conclude with the City of Redlands Sunset Road Race on Sunday. This hotly contested event finale is a twelve-lap tear-up of downtown Redlands, with the overall winner being 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 endurance sport apparel brand HUUB to launch the Ribble Rebellion race team kit.
Mirroring the daring and distinctive 'Colour Clash' design of the Ultra SLR team edition, the nine refreshingly bold colours represent each team rider. 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.
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 counts 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
On the eve of the race, we caught up with a couple of the guys to ask them some hard-hitting questions...kinda:
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 Team Edition
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 this blog, why not check out the Ribble Rebellion Unleashed launch blog?
