Today will see the MAP Centurion Triumph British Supersport race team detour from their journey to Oulton Park for the third round of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship to spend the day at RAF Cottesmore with the base's elite Navy Squadron from Joint Force Harrier.

The GR9 Harrier Squadron has spent five years on active service supporting coalition ground forces in Afghanistan and is currently regenerating at their home base near Oakham, Rutland.

The MAP Centurion Triumph team has been invited to help the Squadron launch a gruelling charity motorcycle ride for Help for Heroes. Enthusiasts from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will undertake a 14-day, 3,314-mile ride that covers all four points of a compass, to reach eight different tri-service military establishments around the UK. The team's factory backer, Triumph Motorcycles, is also supporting the ride with the loan of four bikes to the Squadron. Triumph is the largest British automotive manufacturer and this year celebrates 20 years since the successful relaunch of this iconic brand.

The MAP Centurion Triumph team actively supports the Help for Heroes charity, which provides much needed practical and direct help for members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country.

Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport riders Dan Cooper and AJ Venter, and Metzeler National Superstock 600 riders Jimmy Hill and Josh Caygill, will help the Squadron kick off the day's events. The riders, who will be in full race leathers or team attire complete with Triumph Daytona 675 race bikes in the team's colours, will be available for photo opportunities and interviews.

MAP Centurion Triumph Team Manager, Paul Rees, said: "We're very happy to be associated with this event, and thank the Squadron for inviting us. It's a great idea organised by serving British personnel, for a brilliant cause that helps injured British servicemen and women, on bikes provided by a truly established and respected British motorbike manufacturer, and supported by a road race team showcasing young British racing talent. We hope that people will dig deep and show their own support for a fantastic Squadron and what they are trying to achieve to help their fellow service personnel."

Andrea Friggi of Triumph UK said: "When Phil approached us with details of the ride, we were only too happy to help. It's a great cause and we wish the riders a very successful trip. I'm sure people around the route will get behind them and give plenty of support."

Chief Petty Officer Phil Spencer of RAF Cottesmore said: "This charity ride is a great opportunity for my fellow team members, and the wider motorcycle community, to show our appreciation to our injured Service colleagues. We are proud to contribute to the additional support that Help For Heroes provides."

2010 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship Calendar

R1 Brands Hatch 3/4/5 April R2 Thruxton 16/17/18 April R3 Oulton Park 1/2/3 May R4 Cadwell Park 21/22/23 May R5 Mallory Park 25/26/27 June R6 Knockhill 2/3/4 July R7 Snetterton 16/17/18 July R8 Brands Hatch GP 6/7/8 August R9 Cadwell Park 28/29/30 August R10 Croft 10/11/12 September R11 Silverstone GP 24/25/26 September R12 Oulton Park 8/9/10 October