Geraint Thomas Joins BBC Radio 1 DJ for 1,000km Tandem Challenge

Geraint Thomas joined BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James for a leg of the latter’s Big Ride. The appearance came midway through an eight-day, 1,000-kilometre tandem challenge from Weymouth to Edinburgh. The effort is raising funds for Comic Relief.

The day on the road

The former Tour de France winner rode on day five. He and James pedalled out of Worksop towards York. That stage covered roughly 132 kilometres and included several steep sections.

The pair paused in Doncaster. James admitted the pace had taken his breath away. Thomas, who had not been cycling regularly, said he enjoyed the outing.

Fundraising and the surprise addition

James set an ambitious fundraising target of £700,000. Earlier in the day, Radio 1 hosts Matt and Mollie stated Thomas would join if the goal was met. At that moment, about £60,000 remained to hit the total.

Supporters pushed donations past the deadline. More than £100,000 arrived in time, securing Thomas’s place on the tandem. The extra pair of legs was framed as an “engine upgrade” for James’s campaign.

Charity and schedule

The ride benefits Comic Relief, which funds charities across the UK. James plans to finish the route in Edinburgh on 20 March, Red Nose Day. The challenge covers approximately 630 miles in eight days.

The bike and the team

They rode a custom Mercian Cycles tandem. The lightweight steel frame was tailored for James’s 1.93m height. Mercian also supplied four standard road bikes for the support team.

Participants and background

Geraint Thomas is 39. His palmarès include a Tour de France win, three world titles and two Olympic gold medals. He spent most of his career with Team Sky and Ineos Grenadiers and retired after the 2025 Tour of Britain.

Greg James is 40 and known for radio and endurance stunts. Previous co-riders on the tandem have included comedian Joe Lycett. James has tackled major endurance events before, including Pedal To The Peaks in 2018 and five triathlons in five days in 2016.

Personal context

James revealed recent family health news during the challenge. His father suffered a stroke during an operation. Despite this, James remained committed to completing the tandem ride.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow the Big Ride as it approaches Edinburgh. Fans can track progress and donate to Comic Relief as the final stages unfold.