Tour De Troops: 1,500 Mile Charity Cycling Challenge In 15 Days

Soldiers from the British Army’s 11 EOD unit will take on an epic fundraising cycling challenge in 2017…

11 EOD Regiment RLC is one of the British Army’s specialist units. Courageously, they are responsible for counter terrorist and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) disposal. Uniquely, they will be undertaking a mammoth cycling challenge next year.

The team will pass through Army Regiments, which is a first of its kind challenge. The Felix Odyssey ‘Tour de Troops’ will raise money to support the bomb disposal community. Therefore the cyclists ambitious aim over fifteen days is to cover 1,500 miles (2,414km) starting on 11 June 2017.

An inspirational feat

At Kirintec we couldn’t resist in throwing our support behind the important fundraising project. We are proud to co-sponsor next summer’s epic event; to benefit recipients the Felix Fund supports

The amazing team will consist of up to twenty people, comprising those who are cycling the entire route. Guest cyclists who were themselves maimed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), losing limbs have committed to join part of the route using a hand cycle. Firstly, Scotland is where he life affirming Odyssey will begin. The riders will continue through the UK and culminating their journey in North West Germany.

Meet Waddie

The impressive challenge is the brainchild of Captain James Wadsworth CGC (pictured). Captain Wadsworth, affectionately known as Waddie, he received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC). This award recognises his act of conspicuous gallantry, during active operations in Iraq during 2007. Incidentally, in April 2017 Waddie will tackle the 254km ‘Marathon des Sables’ to benefit the Felix Fund charity. Significantly, this is the equivalent of six marathons across the Sahara sand dunes; what a warm up!

Uniting to counter terror

Waddie, his team and colleagues here at Kirintec appreciate that the world of bomb disposal by nature is dangerous. Undoubtedly Operators are brave. Sadly the fight against terrorism can adversely affect lives. Hence the team on bikes is uniting to make a difference.

The team of cyclists taking on the Tour de Troops have lost colleagues. Especially as they know of others who have been maimed while serving. Consequently we want to raise the profile of such valour. Most of all, the difference that the Felix Fund makes.

Waddie and his Tour de Troops cyclists (and some of the Kirintec team guest cycling stages), recognise that the Felix Odyssey is ambitious and worthwhile. Subsequently we hope to raise tens of thousands or pounds. All simply through peddle power and warm-hearted donors.

The route

The Felix Odyssey will pass through all Regiments where security clearance has been given – unfortunately Northern Ireland isn’t therefore possible. The team aims to cycle around one hundred miles a day. Destinations include: