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BBC Radio 1’s Greg James has kicked off his Longest Ride in Weymouth this morning, starting day 1 of his 1,000km cycle to Edinburgh – scaling higher than Everest
Greg James was cheered on by his family, friends and Radio 1 hosts Matt and Mollie in a special send‑off Breakfast Show, with the Weymouth Artillery marking the moment with a celebratory cannon fire
Radio 1 listener Jen joined Greg on the tandem after winning a competition for a seat on the bike
Setting off from Weymouth Pavilion, Greg will cycle north towards Bristol and finish today’s ride at Bristol Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square
Money raised for Red Nose Day could help people to eat, sleep safely, and live without fear. It can help put food on tables, roofs over heads and provide safety to those facing the toughest times of their lives
Red Nose Day is on Friday 20 March
Listeners can tune in to Radio 1 and Morning Live every day to follow Greg’s progress, as well as watch the livestream here(opens in new window)
To see the full route and support Greg, visit: comicrelief.com/ride(opens in new window)
Friday 13 March: Radio 1’s Longest Ride for Red Nose Day burst into action today as Greg James officially began his 1,000km tandem challenge on the stunning Jurassic Coast – a feat that will see him ascend higher than Mount Everest. Broadcasting live from Weymouth, Greg set off in high spirits as he tackled the first leg of this eight‑day journey. Today’s route will take him more than 120km through Sherborne, Wincanton, Radstock and surrounding towns before he aims to roll into Bristol by the end of the day.
Greg was waved off in style during a special Radio 1 Breakfast Show send‑off, cheered on by his Auntie Pam, family and fellow Radio 1 hosts Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, with the Weymouth Artillery marking the official start line with a cannon blast. Before he crossed the start line, Rock Choir performed a special rendition of Roll With It, giving Greg a musical send‑off as crowds gathered along the seafront. After powering through the first stretch, Greg welcomed his first guest on the tandem, Radio 1 listener and competition winner Jen, who brought extra pedal power and plenty of encouragement.
Before setting off, Greg said: “I wasn’t nervous, but I am now. Months of training have led to this moment and I can’t quite believe the journey is finally beginning. The support in Weymouth has been incredible, it’s given me such a lift. I want this challenge to bring people together, and if today is anything to go by, the next eight days are going to be unforgettable. It’s going to be gruelling, but absolutely worth it knowing the money we raise is going to such good causes. So, please donate!"
Alongside regular Radio 1 check-ins, Greg’s journey will be livestreamed on YouTube(opens in new window), as well as listeners being able to sign up for exclusive behind the scenes updates from the man himself via The Longest Ride Whatsapp group. If you want to see whether Greg will be cycling near you or are simply nosey about where he is right now, you can follow his progress via the journey tracker here.
Money raised for Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day could help fund vital projects supporting people facing incredibly tough times, both here in the UK and around the world, helping to put food on plates, provide safe places to sleep and support people who are at risk of poverty and harm. At a time when life can feel harder than ever, this challenge is about coming together and turning collective effort into real, positive change.
Radio 1's Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day will be broadcast live across Radio 1, Morning Live and BBC Sounds with video diary highlights shared across Radio 1 and Comic Relief’s social channels, including YouTube.
To support Greg, go to comicrelief.com/ride(opens in new window)
ENDS
ASSETS AVAILABLE
Comic Relief selection of Greg starting day one of his challenge can be found here(opens in new window)
Wider selection of Getty photography can be found here(opens in new window)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Emily McCormick
07487582054
e.mccormick@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
Out of hours enquiries: 0207 820 2444
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 (opens in new window)is the UK’s No.1 youth station, targeting 15 to 29 year-olds with a distinctive mix of new music and programmes focusing on issues affecting young people. The station is the soundtrack to young people's lives in the UK and has been for over 50 years.
About Red Nose Day
This Red Nose Day, Friday 20 March 2026, it’s time to take things a bit less seriously. It’s time to lighten up a little, take ourselves funny for money and celebrate the undeniable power of laughter.
Whether it’s running a marathon in a mankini, baking your mate’s face in cake, sharing your best worst photo, or popping on a Red Nose and going about your day – let’s turn those silly moments into serious goodness! This March, get ready to be silly, be daft, be the nation’s punchline and help raise shedloads of cash.
The money raised this Red Nose Day could help to support people with the basic essentials that everyone has the right to – food, shelter and safety.
There are lots of ways to get involved and take yourself funny for money. Visit comicrelief.com/rednoseday or follow @comicrelief on social media to find out more.
Red Nose Day is an initiative of Comic Relief..
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a UK charity that uses the power of entertainment and popular culture to work towards a vision of a just world free from poverty. We raise money to support organisations that are closest to the communities who can make change happen. We support work that will tackle the impact of poverty, injustice, conflict, and climate change in the UK and around the world.
Since launching in 1985, we have raised over £1.6 billion thanks to the huge generosity and kindness of the public and our partners.
For more information on our work, visit www.comicrelief.com(opens in new window) or follow @comicrelief on Facebook(opens in new window), Instagram(opens in new window), LinkedIn(opens in new window) and TikTok (opens in new window)for the latest content and news.
Comic Relief is the operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730).
