Two city businesses are gearing up to help BBC Radio 1’s Greg James go the distance in his latest Comic Relief charity challenge – providing specialist kit and a custom-built tandem to power the high-profile fundraiser.
Next month, the presenter will attempt to cycle 1,000km from Weymouth to Edinburgh on a tandem – with a series of special guests hopping on along the way – to raise money for Red Nose Day.
Performance sportswear brand HUUB is kitting out the Radio 1 presenter from head to toe, while legendary Derby bike-maker Mercian Cycles has hand-built a one-off custom tandem specifically for the event.
It’s a powerful double act of local engineering and endurance expertise, putting Derby at the heart of a national fundraising effort which is expected to be watched by millions.
HUUB, globally renowned for its elite triathlon and endurance sportswear, is ensuring Greg has the technical kit required to withstand the physical demands of the eight-day challenge, dubbed Radio One’s Longest Ride.
From performance cycling shorts to waterproof outerwear, HUUB is providing high-spec kit for all weather conditions – ensuring that, whatever the challenge throws at Greg, he is fully supported and protected.
Meanwhile, Mercian Cycles – one of Britain’s longest-established custom bike manufacturers – has built a lightweight, high-quality steel-framed tandem to Greg’s exact dimensions, using traditional craftsmanship to ensure the bike can withstand the demands of the gruelling ride.
The company, based in Little Eaton has also provided four standard bikes of various sizes that will be used by those joining Greg on the challenge.
Dean Jackson, founder and CEO of HUUB, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Greg and Comic Relief. It’s fantastic to see a national charity challenge backed by Derby businesses. Events like this show what can be achieved when local expertise meets a brilliant cause.
“HUUB has supported Comic Relief fundraising activities before – including Mollie King’s Pedal Power challenge in 2024, where she cycled 500km across the UK to raise money for Red Nose Day – and we’re thrilled to be involved again with Greg James’ 1,000km tandem ride.
“Greg’s challenge is no small undertaking and having the right kit can make a real difference over long distances and tough conditions. We’re delighted to be able to play our part and help power this incredible fundraising effort.”
James Knowles of Mercian Cycles, which is 80 years old this year, added: “We’re hugely proud to see a Mercian tandem at the centre of such an incredible national fundraising challenge. Every bike we build is handcrafted here in Derby, so to create something bespoke for Greg and Comic Relief is a real honour.
“We did a fitting with Greg just after Christmas and also provided him with a training tandem which he has been practising on in and around London. He now has the real thing – which we have hand painted red for Comic Relief.
“It has been built specifically for the demands of a 1,000km ride – designed for strength, stability and comfort over long distances. Challenges like this are exactly why custom engineering matters.
“Derby has a proud cycling and manufacturing heritage and it’s fantastic to see that expertise playing a role in raising money for such an important cause.”
Comic Relief raises millions of pounds each year to support vulnerable people and communities across the UK and around the world.
Greg’s challenge will support vital projects providing food, shelter, and safety, with every mile pedalled helping to put food on tables, secures safe places to sleep, and protect those at risk of harm.
From his start line in Weymouth on March 13, Greg will need every ounce of physical and mental strength to keep pedalling as his journey takes him through Wales, the Midlands and the North of England, to his finish line in Edinburgh on March 20 – Red Nose Day itself.
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