Derby firms work in tandem to power Radio 1s Greg James in Comic Relief rideDerbys HUUB and Mercian Cycles join forces to kit and build a bespoke tandem for a 1,000km charity challenge from Weymouth to Edinburgh.BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James will attempt to cycle 1,000km on a tandem next month to raise money for Comic Reliefs Red Nose Dayand two Derby powerhouses are behind the effort. HUUB is supplying technical performance kit, while Mercian Cycles has handbuilt a oneoff custom tandem tailored to the demands of the eightday ride, with special guests joining aboard along the route.The partnership places Derbys engineering and endurance expertise at the heart of a national fundraiser expected to draw millions of viewers and listeners.HUUBs highperformance kit for all conditionsGlobally recognised for elite triathlon and endurance apparel, HUUB is outfitting Greg head to toe to withstand the variety of conditions across the eightday challenge, Radio 1s Longest Ridefrom performance cycling shorts to waterproof outerwear designed to keep him protected, supported and comfortable in all weather.Dean Jackson, founder and CEO of HUUB, said:Were incredibly proud to support Greg and Comic Relief. Its 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 Kings Pedal Power challenge in 2024, where she cycled 500km across the UK to raise money for Red Nose Day and were thrilled to be involved again with Greg James 1,000km tandem ride.Gregs challenge is no small undertaking and having the right kit can make a real difference over long distances and tough conditions. Were delighted to be able to play our part and help power this incredible fundraising effort.Mercians handcrafted, lightweight steel tandembuilt for distanceMarking 80 years of framebuilding heritage, Mercian Cycles has crafted a lightweight, highquality steel tandem to Gregs exact measurements, painted red for Comic Relief and engineered for strength, stability and comfort over ultralong distances. The Little Eatonbased company has also provided four standard bikes in various sizes for guests joining the ride.James Knowles of Mercian Cycles said:Were 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 its fantastic to see that expertise playing a role in raising money for such an important cause.The challenge: dates, route and causeStart: Weymouth, 13 MarchFinish: Edinburgh, 20 March (Red Nose Day)Distance: ~1,000km over eight daysRoute highlights: Wales, the Midlands and the North of EnglandFormat: Tandem with special guests rotating on and off throughoutComic Relief funds vital projects providing food, shelter and safety across the UK and globally. Every mile pedalled supports initiatives that help put food on tables, secure safe places to sleep, and protect those at risk of harm.