Beat the block

The huge mid section of the UK's first Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier leaves BAE Systems' shipyard at Govan today, starting a 600 mile journey by sea to Rosyth, where the aircraft carrier will be assembled.

Over 50 cyclists also left the yard this morning, tracing the path of Lower Block 03 on land in an attempt to 'beat the block' to its final destination on the Forth and raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Minister for International Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth, said: "This marks an important milestone - the start of the assembly phase of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. Excellent progress is being made on this project and it will form the cornerstone of the Royal Navy's Future Force 2020. It is clear evidence that the UK shipbuilding industry has the expertise and experience to deliver a project of this size and complexity, delivering our next generation of Carrier Strike capability."

Steven Carroll, Queen Elizabeth Class Project Director at BAE Systems, said: "There's a real sense of pride in the yard and across the Carrier Alliance today.

"The Beat the Block challenge gives everyone a fun way to get involved and it's fantastic to see so many cyclists from across the Carrier Alliance taking part, helping to raise money for a charity that supports the men and women of our armed forces. This is a tough challenge and I encourage members of the public to show your support when you see the team cycle past."

The 'Beat the Block' challenge aims to raise over £10,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. The challenge will test the fitness and endurance of the cyclists as they travel across the north of Scotland, stopping only for overnight respite at Fort William, Elgin, Peterhead and St Andrews. Their target is to arrive in Roysth ahead of the block on Saturday 20 August.

To track and follow the block's journey to Rosyth, visit www.shipais.com and follow the main tug: Eraclea (IMO: 9499656)

Source:  BAE Systems