Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com completing his Yorkshire Beast Challenge in 2024

Pedals cleared for take-off: 1,100-mile charity cycling challenge to launch from Leeds Bradford Airport runway 

  • Martin Mansell, CEO of Enjoy Travel, to cycle 1,100 miles to Nice, setting off from Leeds Bradford Airport’s runway on Tuesday 17th June. 
  • World record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont will join part of the route, along with former England rugby league legend Eorl Crabtree and “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” runner-up Owen Warner.
  • The challenge has already raised £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters.

Leeds Bradford Airport will mark a unique departure this summer – not by air, but by bike and electric car – as it hosts the dramatic starting point of the 1,100-mile ‘Yorkshire Beast Unleashed’ cycling challenge to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters.

On 17th June, the challenge will take flight as Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com, begins his two-wheeled journey to Nice. He’ll set off from the Ilkley end of Leeds Bradford Airport runway, cycling the full length of the runway before embarking on day one’s epic 170-mile route to St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Over the course of the challenge Martin will ride over 1,100 miles with his Yorkshire Beast team, including endurance challenge veteran and three-time world record setter, Andy North and Sixty/8 cycling apparel brand owner Hamish Graham. One of the team, Paul Mansell, will also take part on his e-bike, travelling the full distance with just one spare battery.

The route will tackle a gruelling ascent through the French Alps via the highest paved road in Europe, at an altitude of 2,710 metres.

Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com, said: “Starting this daunting journey from the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport is a powerful way to set off, and I’m really grateful to the team at LBA for making it happen.

“This challenge means a lot to me, as not only have I never attempted anything close to this distance or altitude, but raising these funds for two incredible charities is a privilege – especially Alzheimer’s Society as my dad is living with the disease so I’m doing this in his honour.

“It’s going to be the toughest thing I’ve ever done but I’m doing it for people who are going through far worse every day.”

Martin will be challenging an electric vehicle driven by his business partner, Steve Dennis, who will navigate a 3,300-mile route through 20 countries aiming to reach Nice Côte d’Azur Airport first. Steve wants to demonstrate that electric cars are a practical, eco-friendly option for holidaymakers and is an advocate for sustainable travel – something Leeds Bradford Airport also champions as part of its own Electric Vehicle initiatives.

Adding star power to the event are two sporting legends: world record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont*, and former England rugby league legend Eorl Crabtree – both joining for part of the cycle route as challenge ambassadors.

Other famous faces joining part of the EV route include “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” runner-up and soap star Owen Warner, and “Hollyoaks” actor Billy Price.

The challenge – which has already exceeded its target of £50,000 – has been made possible by key sponsors, including travel comparison company Enjoy Travel, airport parking provider Maple Parking, and vehicle rental specialists Green Motion and U-Save, which are supplying Steve’s EV and a dedicated safety vehicle.

This year’s ride builds on the success of Martin and Andy’s 2024 Yorkshire Beast Challenge – a 450-mile bike ride across the Yorkshire Dales which raised over £16,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

How to Support

10 June 2025 / Chamber Marketing /