Greg James Starts 630-Mile Tandem Bike Challenge for Comic Relief
Radio 1 DJ Greg James has embarked on a 630-mile cycle challenge on a tandem bike to raise funds for Comic Relief.
The Breakfast Show presenter plans to cover 1,000km across England, Wales, and Scotland over eight days, culminating in Edinburgh.
He departed from Weymouth in Dorset at approximately 08:50 GMT, cheered on by crowds and accompanied by a rock choir performing Oasis's "Roll With It."
Greg will cycle mostly alone during each eight-hour daily segment but will be joined by fellow Radio 1 presenters and special guests at various points along the route.
Support and Determination at the Start Line
Speaking with Radio 1 presenters Matt Edmondson and Mollie King at the start, Greg expressed gratitude to the supporters waving banners.
"You've got to commit and I'm going to commit,"
"It's one of those things that needs to be a challenge.
I've had a big breakfast, and I'm ready to go."
He described the upcoming challenge as "ridiculous" but pledged to give it his all.
Wearing a red nose, Greg raised his fist in celebration as he cycled away from the enthusiastic crowd, heading towards Bristol, the first day's checkpoint.
Background on Greg James' Previous Comic Relief Challenges
This event, titled Radio 1's Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day, is considered his most "ludicrous challenge" for Comic Relief to date.
Greg previously completed five triathlons in five days in 2016 and, in 2018, undertook the Pedal To The Peaks endurance test, cycling between and climbing Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis.
Although he had vowed the 2018 challenge would be his last, he has since decided to take on this third Comic Relief challenge.
The route will take him through various villages, towns, and cities in England and Wales before finishing in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day, 20 March.
Personal Motivation Amid Family Health Concerns
Earlier in the week, Greg revealed he would continue with the challenge despite his father suffering a stroke following complications from heart surgery.
Returning to the airwaves after missing the previous Friday's show, he shared that his father was "not very well at the moment" but remains "still with us."
"He really wanted me to do this challenge which is coming up on Friday,"
"He knows that and he knows how much it means to me."
Greg also noted that his plans might change depending on his father's condition but mentioned he was "slowly but surely improving a bit."
Broadcast Details
Radio 1's Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day will be broadcast live on Radio 1, as well as streamed on and YouTube throughout the journey.
Listeners can tune in to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays or catch up later.
