Cyclists begin charity ride from Leeds to Nice

A team aims to cycle more than 1,100 miles from Yorkshire to the south of France in a charity challenge which has already raised more than £50,000.

Martin Mansell and Andy North set off with four friends from Leeds Bradford Airport's runway just before 06:00 BST, heading for Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to raise money for Alzheimer's Society and Candlelighters.

They will be joined on parts of the route by Mark Beaumont, who holds a world record for cycling around the world in 79 days, and ex-Huddersfield Giants rugby league star Eorl Crabtree.

Steve Dennis hopes to arrive in Nice in an electric car before the cyclists, despite navigating a longer 3,300-mile (5,311km) route taking in 20 countries.

Mr Mansell, 47, and Mr Dennis, who own a Leeds-based travel agents, have already undertaken a fundraising challenge together.

Last year they completed a 450-mile (724km) bike ride around the perimeter of Yorkshire, raising more than £16,000 for Alzheimer's Society.

The new challenge - The Beast Unleashed - is also raising money for Alzheimer's Society, as both Mr Mansell and Mr North, 64, have been impacted by it.

Mr Mansell's father has Alzheimer's and Mr North's father-in-law Michael recently died with the disease.

"As a family we have been through the last 11 years of deterioration, and seeing how the disease decimates families and affects them," Mr North, from Shadwell, Leeds, said.

"We know the struggles you have to go through to cope with it."

He said he appreciated the support he received but also saw how much more could be done - which is why he wanted to join the challenge and raise money for the cause.

Also joining the challenge for parts of the route are actors Owen Warner and Billy Price, who played Romeo Nightingale and Sid Sumner in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Mr Mansell, from Denby Dale, Kirklees, said: "I've never cycled such a huge distance or at this high an altitude, so having both Mark and Eorl along for support and sharing their expertise will be hugely beneficial.

"It's incredible to have Leeds Bradford Airport backing us from the start - we're really grateful to them, and of course everyone else who has sponsored and donated so far."

The team will pedal from Leeds to Dover in two days, then from Calais to Nice, crossing the French Alps' highest pass at an altitude of 9,000ft (2,743m).

The challenge is also raising money for Candlelighters, a Leeds charity which helps children with cancer and their families.

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