Page 44 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

7 RIFLES
Volunteers from across the TOSCA battle- group completed an arduous 326 km cycling challenge across Cyprus – the ‘Tour de Cyprus.’ 30 cyclists of all abilities took part, joined by the Commanding Officer for two legs, clad in some fetching lycra.
This was not a race but a one-off opportu- nity to cycle the island, take in some stunning countryside away from the BZ and contribute to an activity that was individually challenging, teamwork focused, and fundraising driven.
The event comprised of four stages (days) of varying distances (65 -110 kms), from flat
to extremely mountainous terrain. The first stage was a 100 km leg starting from Episkopi Garrison where we were joined by fellow Rifleman and the Commander of British Forces Cyprus, Major General Rob Thomson.
Stage 2 saw us joined by the Chief of Staff UNFICYP, Colonel Neil Wright. An early start of 0600 hrs to avoid the Cyprus sun saw the
three groups make their way back to Nicosia, a shorter 66 km day riddled with burst tires and mechanicals. Stage 3 (the Queen stage) was to be the most challenging, the climb to the top of Troodos from Nicosia, saw the 20 remaining riders set off in two groups at 0530 hrs, the 85 kms took over six hours to climb the 1952m summit.
After an over-night stop on Troodos the event culminated with Stage 4, a predomi- nantly down-hill stage back to Episkopi. The event raised £5,500 for the Army Benevolent Fund, and two local Cypriot children’s charities.
“I was inspired and impressed to arrive
at 7 RIFLES in Mid-August to find a mixed bunch of committed cyclists regularly meeting well before the Cyprus sun came up and clocking 45-50kms to train for the event before breakfast and operational tasks.” Maj Rich Hunt, XO.
Sjt Shannon A Coy PSI
Tour d’Cyprus, end of Stage 1 – Episkopi – Dhekelia 107 Km
OP TOSCA 32 – CLOSE
Come October, the end of the tour and Transfer of Authority to our sister battalion 6 RIFLES became reality. This was a landmark occasion – the first time two Army Reserve units have handed over to one another, let alone two from the same regiment. Safe in the knowledge that the hard gains made would be taken forward by 6 RIFLES, it was time to recover home, recuperate, reflect, and then in January 2021, re-integrate and get ready for whatever is next.
LCpl Moir executing one of the many Guards of Honour duties
for the reception of a Peace Delegation at Ledra Palace Hotel
44 RIFLES The Bugle
The end of Stage 3, tired legs, sore bottoms,
salt patches galore after 6 hours in the saddle
It was time to recover home, recuperate, reflect, and then in January 2021, re-integrate and
get ready
THE TOUR
DE CYPRUS