News from Euro Commercials - Mercedes-Benz Dealer Euro Commercials enlists for Ride to the Somme duty

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Date: 2 September 2016

[Euro - Ride to the Somme (2)]

Ready for the 'off': Cyclist Clive Hamilton in a 'uniform' specially designed for Ride to the Somme is pictured at Euro Commercials' Cardiff headquarters with, from left, Euro Truck Sales Manager Nathan Black, Event Organiser Andrew Jones, Paul Hurley of Freight Movement and Euro Van Sales Manager Paul Cox


Mercedes-Benz Dealer Euro Commercials enlists for Ride to the Somme duty



South Wales Mercedes-Benz Dealer Euro Commercials is backing a three-day, 250-mile bike ride organised by the Armed Forces charity SSAFA, in memory of those cyclists who served their country in the First World War 100 years ago and made the ultimate sacrifice.



More than 50 volunteer cyclists are taking part in Ride to the Somme. It concludes on Saturday (3rd September) at The Thiepval Memorial, in Normandy, which marks the 72,195 British and African soldiers who lost their lives in the 1916 Battle of the Somme and have no graves.



Euro Commercials has loaned the charity a specially liveried Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Dualiner van, while Mercedes-Benz Trucks has lent its support by providing a FUSO Canter 7C15 Eco Hybrid - the German manufacturer and its Dealers are also responsible for sales and support of the popular Japanese light truck range in Britain.



Both are now being used as support vehicles on the ride, which is being filmed by the BBC's Countryfile programme for broadcast on Remembrance weekend (12-13 November). The fuel-efficient Vito offers the reliability and driver comfort for which the three-pointed star is renowned, as well as a folding, second row of seats for added flexibility. The diesel-electric 7.5-tonne Canter, meanwhile, is the first hybrid truck to make economic as well as environmental sense - to optimise fuel-saving, an Idle Start-Stop system is also fitted as standard.

The Army Cycling Corps was founded in 1914 from 15 cycling battalions, and involved in the movement of men, reconnaissance and communications. At home, meanwhile, cyclists were recruited for coastal defence work, responding to the call to "Cycle for the King".



The Battle of the Somme began on 1st July 1916 and lasted for 141 days. On its first day the British Army suffered 60,000 casualties; by the November the allies had advanced just five miles, with one million men from both sides killed or injured.



Money raised by the cyclists taking part in Ride to the Somme will be used by SSAFA (formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association) to help servicemen and women, veterans and their families in need following recent conflicts.



Tegan Jones, the charity's Director of Fundraising, said: "SSAFA is the only national military charity that has been in existence through both world wars and every conflict since. We would like to thank Euro Commercials and Mercedes-Benz Trucks for their generous support of Ride to the Somme.



"This event is a significant landmark not only in remembering the fallen of World War One, but also for the charity as we continue to deliver vital support to our Forces veterans and their families."



Paul Cox, Van Sales Manager at Euro Commercials, added: "It is difficult today to comprehend the scale of the sacrifice made on all sides by those who fought in the Battle of the Somme. It is important that those who lost their lives are remembered. We are very happy, therefore, to lend our support to SSAFA and its admirable Ride to the Somme initiative."



Newport-based Freight Movement is also supporting the Ride, providing transport and logistics assistance as required. Proprietor Paul Hurley said: "We have worked with the event organiser in the past. SSAFA does a lot of great work and is a very deserving cause."



www.ridetothesomme.org.uk<http://www.ridetothesomme.org.uk>

www.facebook.com/ridetothesomme<http://www.facebook.com/ridetothesomme>

Twitter: @ridetotthesomme





[Euro - Ride to the Somme (4)]



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[Euro - Ride to the Somme (1)]


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Steve Warren or John Ripley
Impact Communications, 01926 842126
John: 07771 484595, john@impactcom.co.uk<mailto:john@impactcom.co.uk>
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