Walking With The Wounded and the Atom Racing Team join together for ‘Operation Overlord’ Zwift ride

The Operation Overlord Zwift ride celebrates D-Day veterans and recognises the sacrifice of all veterans, serving military personnel, and their families on the annual commemoration event.

The ride is designed to be a social ride, so riders of all abilities will be welcome to join. The aim is to keep everyone together and then engage in some friendly competition when a sprint section is reached. The group will then regroup and drop the pace to recovery.

Event organiser Darren Rhodes, current Army Reservist, and former Regular Army veteran, said:

“During my military service, I witnessed first-hand the physical and mental impact on those who have come to harm in conflict. Part of my own story is one of constant reflection and recollection of the time I spent in Iraq and the mental recovery path I walk.

“One of the things I do to overcome my own mental Ill health is to immerse myself in fitness. During the first lockdown in 2020, I turned to indoor cycling and signed up to Zwift which enabled me to keep fit and to cope with the effect of the pandemic on my mental wellbeing.

“I wanted to share this benefit with other veterans who might be struggling with their own fitness or mental health and I came up with the idea of an Armed Forces Day 2021 Zwift event, aimed at creating an inclusive community of existing and new riders to join us on a fun experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

“Walking With The Wounded was my first choice because I know they champion challenge, most publicly with the South Pole 2013 Expedition and the Expedition Patronage of The Duke of Sussex. It is, therefore, a privilege for me to help others overcome their struggles whilst at the same time giving them an opportunity to meet new friends and to get fitter in the process.”

Register your place here.