Derby spurs Radio One’s Greg James on towards epic cycling challenge glory

The people of Derby came out in force to cheer on Radio One’s Greg James as his Comic Relief charity cycling challenge came through the city.

Yesterday, day four of Greg’s epic 1,000km ride from Weymouth to Edinburgh, the intrepid DJ’s route took him through the city centre – where he was cheered on by numerous well-wishers.

His challenge is being backed by two local companies – specialist sportswear manufacturer HUUB and bike-maker Mercian Cycles.

Mercian has hand-built the one-off custom tandem Greg is riding specifically for the event.

Meanwhile, HUUB has provided all the specialist kit Greg needs to take on the eight-day challenge, dubbed Radio One’s Longest Ride.

After coming through Derby, the presenter stopped for a brief lunch break at Mercian’s Little Eaton factory, where he met Dean Jackson, founder and chief executive of HUUB, who then joined him on the road, riding alongside him on another tandem with Derby South MP Baggy Shanker in tow.

Writing on his blog, Greg said: “We’re at a pitstop just outside Derby, at the home of the place that made the bike. I just met the man Tim who made the frame, and I said, ‘thank you for making such a soulful beast’. It’s a lovely machine that I’ve got quite intimate with in the last few days.

“A lovely crowd greeted me as I rolled into the car park. It was a long, long stretch that one, but we did it! We’re crunching down those kilometres.”

HUUB is globally renowned for its elite triathlon and endurance sportswear – and when Greg came through Derby, he was dressed head to toe in its attire.

The firm has provided the presenter with the technical kit required to withstand the physical demands of the challenge – not to mention the changing elements.

From performance cycling shorts to waterproof outerwear, HUUB has provided high-spec kit for all weather conditions – ensuring that, whatever the challenge throws at Greg, he is fully supported and protected.

It is not the first time that HUUB has backed Comic Relief fundraising activities.

In 2024, it backed Mollie King’s Pedal Power challenge in 2024, where she cycled 500km across the UK to raise money for Red Nose Day.

Speaking about his ride alongside Greg, which took them up the difficult climb towards Drum Hill, before travelling to Smalley and Heanor enroute to the next pitstop at Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Dean said: “It was such a surreal feeling riding alongside Greg James with people coming out of schools and houses holding up signs and waving and shouting encouragement to him.

“It was so great to see that Derbyshire really got behind him and cheered him all the way, and it was an amazing experience to be a part of it.

“We were chatting as we rode along and he said he was really grateful for the sportswear and the support.

“He’s also a really strong rider. Going up to Drum Hill is a horrible hill to cycle up, but he took the tandem up on his own, without any trouble.”

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.

Today, he has embarked on day five, which will see him ride to York. He is aiming to reach Edinburgh on Friday – Red Nose Day itself.

To follow Greg’s progress and to donate to the cause click here.