Greg James: 9 Highlights From His Longest Ride Comic Relief Cycling Challenge

Every year, Comic Relief sees different celebrities taking on a variety of grueling challenges in the name of fundraising – and Greg James’ latest is an especially mammoth one.

The Radio 1 host is currently in the middle of an eight-day cycling challenge that will take him 1,000km from Weymouth to Edinburgh, eight years on from his last physical endurance test.

Over the last week, Greg has received a wave of support from the British public as he slogs his way through the task – particularly as he announced he’d still be going ahead with it in light of the news that his father had suffered a stroke.

As you’d expect from any long-running stunt involving Greg, there’ve been plenty of memorable moments so far, and here are just some of the highlights…

1. Prince William surprises Greg James for a spot of tandem bike riding

On his fifth day of cycling, Greg was taken completely off guard when he was led down an alternative route, where Prince William was waiting for him.

“There are lots of things you don’t expect in life. You definitely don’t expect to see Prince William at a truck stop,” the presenter told the BBC.

“And I then went, ’OK, I’m trying to get my head into gear of like, oh, I need to talk to [a member of] the Royal Family now after being on a bike for the last three hours.”

Greg continued: “He was sat behind my bum on the bike. I said, ‘I’m sorry, how the mighty fall. I’m sorry that you’re sitting behind this now. I’m really sorry that this is what you have to deal with’

“But I was amazed that he even wanted to ride.”

He later admitted: “People are asking me, ‘what was it like to be on the bike with Prince William?’ I don’t know yet, because I haven’t had the chance to process it. I’m numb – I don’t know what’s going on!”

2. Prince William also had a pretty savage ‘unpopular opinion’ for Greg James as they rode together

Regular Radio 1 listeners will know that on the breakfast show, Greg invites callers to share their “unpopular opinions” with him, which he and his guests will then debate.

Prince William’s? “Sara Cox’s challenge was harder.”

3. Greg James’ emotional support from his mum has been a highlight for many of those following his challenge

When he’s not behind the handlebars, Greg has been updating his mum on his progress over the phone, which has made for both touching and hilarious viewing.

She also turned up to surprise him at the day two finish line, where the two shared a hug.

4. Day six of the challenge began with a poignant moment in honour of Greg James’ dad on Wednesday

Before setting off, Greg requested that Radio 1 played Coldplay’s Paradise, which he said was his dad’s favourite song.

“I started to cry there, in a nice way,” he later shared. “I was doing up my little shoes and I got a message from my mum, who said: ‘I’ll tell dad later that you played it for him’.”

Shortly afterwards, Greg also received a message of support from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who joked: “I’m a bit confused. I’m with my BMX just outside Bristol. You said to meet me for a bike ride. I’ve been waiting here for about three weeks. Where are you? What do you want me to do?

“I want to help you on your bike ride. But I’m in my shorts, I’ve run out of sandwiches. I might get the train back to America. Wherever you are, I love you and I send you so much goodwill. You must be quick on your bike because I can’t seem to catch you.”

5. Reaching that £1 million mark was a real moment

With days still left on the challenge, Greg’s supporters have already donated more than £1 million to Comic Relief, as he learned during a break on his fifth day of cycling.

Making the news even more exciting, it was delivered by his cycling buddy Prince William.

The Hunter Foundation has also said they will match donations of up to a million pounds, meaning that Comic Relief will receive at least £2 million off the back of Greg’s efforts.

6. Crowds of supporters have gathered over the course of the route to encourage Greg James on his way

“It’s so cool that this stupid challenge has got people out and together and enjoying it and tracking it and all the rest of it,” Greg said on Tuesday. “And most importantly, raising loads of money. Every pedal feels worth it when I keep seeing that total go up.

“And I mean, I really don’t want to do much more, but actually, if it kept going up like this, I would just stay on this bike forever, because it’s an inconvenience for me, definitely, but the good is outweighing the bad, for sure.”

7. His welcome in York was particularly impressive

Not only did a local uni choir serenade him with a rewritten version of Chappell Roan’s Hot To Go!, he was also greeted by a mascot tribute to Long Boi, the (sadly, now-deceased) duck he’s been obsessed with for years.

8. The tear-jerking surprises just keep on coming

A very tired Greg was overjoyed to see his best mate during a rest stop on day five.

9. Oh, and if you’re wondering how Greg has been recuperating after a long day of cycling…

…Let’s just say ice baths, sports massages and weird inflatable leg sleeping aids have all been involved.