The 1,100-mile charity bike challenge for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters will start at Leeds Bradford Airport, with the support of a cycling world record holder and a rugby legend.
Leeds Bradford Airport will serve as the starting point for an extraordinary endurance challenge this summer, as Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com, takes on a 1,100-mile cycling challenge from Leeds to Nice – challenging an electric vehicle (EV) driven by his business partner, Steve Dennis – to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters.
The event, starting on 17th June, has attracted various celebrities and sports stars, with two new sporting legends joining the challenge:
- Mark Beaumont, the world record-breaking cyclist, has been named the official Endurance Ambassador for the challenge and will join Martin for part of his cycle route. Mark holds the world record for cycling around the world in under 79 days and has also completed a record-breaking solo ride across Africa.
- Eorl Crabtree, former Huddersfield and England rugby player, is the Yorkshire Ambassador for the event. The former rugby league powerhouse – now Managing Director of the Midlands Hurricanes – will join the challengers at the start line and cycle part of Martin’s route to Dover.
Other famous faces joining parts of the challenge include “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” runner-up and soap star Owen Warner, and “Hollyoaks” actor Billy Price.
Steve’s journey will take him through 20 countries and cover over 3,300 miles in an EV supplied by new headline sponsors, vehicle rental companies Green Motion and U-Save. Both companies are also providing a dedicated safety car for the challenge, which will support Martin as he cycles approximately 1,108 miles through the French Alps via “Col de la Bonette”, the highest paved road in Europe at an altitude of 2,710 meters.
Martin Mansell:: “This will be a true test of endurance and determination, which is something that Mark Beaumont has clearly mastered, breaking more than one world record! I’ve never cycled such a huge distance or at this high an altitude, so having both Mark and sporting hero Eorl Crabtree along for support and sharing their expertise will be a hugely beneficial, and it will be a huge honour to ride with them.
It’s incredible to have Leeds Bradford Airport backing us from the start, which will make a really nice send off and start to the journey, so we’re really grateful to them, and of course everyone else who has sponsored and donated so far.”
Steve Dennis, CCO at EnjoyTravel.com: “With the support of Green Motion and U-Save, I’m even more confident in navigating all 20 countries in a top-tier EV that I know I’ll be able to rely on. I’m determined to prove that electric cars are a practical and eco-friendly option for holidaymakers, so it’s really great to have these companies on board as sponsors. We’re hugely thankful for their involvement and are now even closer to our fundraising goal, which will help these amazing charities.”
The challenge aims to raise vital proceeds for Alzheimer’s Society – a charity close to Martin, whose father has been affected by the disease – and Candlelighters charity, dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.
Martin’s Yorkshire Beast Challenge in 2024 saw him cycle 450 miles across the Yorkshire Dales and raised over £16,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. Now, “The Beast Unleashed” aims to surpass this achievement and raise a target of £50,000. The duo is almost at the 50% mark, with over £23,000 raised so far.
Richard Lowden, CEO of Green Motion and President of U-Save said: “We’re proud to support the Yorkshire Beast Unleashed challenge, combining endurance, sustainability and two great causes. Green Motion and U-Save are thrilled to help power this event while raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters Trust. Will quads or kilowatts conquer the Beast? We can’t wait to find out!”
How to Support
- For more information, including how to become a sponsor, please visit: https://yorkshirebeast.com/
- Donations for “The Beast Unleashed” can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/team/beast-unleashed
- Supporters can also follow the journey through updates on social media via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkshire_beast
Main image: Martin and Steve.
