Teams captained by Lord Coe, twice Olympic 1,500m champion, and Scouse comedian John Bishop will tonight go head to head in the velodrome at London’s Lee Valley VeloPark as part of tonight’s Sport Relief on BBC One.
Bishop – but not Coe, it seems – is due to take to the boards in a men’s elimination race that will feature in the first half of this evening’s programme from 7-8.30pm.
Also due to compete in front of a capacity crowd at the velodrome where Team GB dominated the track at London 2012 are comedian Patrick Kielty, former cricketer Freddie Flintoff, pop star Olly Murs, DJ Richard Bacon and radio and TV presenter Greg James.
It's not just about the bike, though. Other events lined up include rhythmic gymnastics, synchronised swimming and a swimming relay.
When the event was launched last month, Bishop said: “For Sport Relief 2012, I spent a week of pain cycling, rowing and running from Paris to London. To say it was tough is a huge understatement.
“But now, two years on, I am back again to take on whatever challenges Sport Relief throws at me. Am I intimidated by going up against four-time Olympic medal winner Sebastian Coe? No, I say, bring it on! May the best man win.”
Coe, who chaired London 2012 organisers LOCOG and is now chairman of the British Olympic Association, added: “As chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I spent the best part of 10 years preoccupied with the planning and delivery of London 2012.
“Not once did I imagine that less than two years later I would find myself back at the park competing. I hear John Bishop has quite a competitive streak but I know these venues inside out – something that, probably unrealistically, I am hoping will play to my advantage.”
Last night, BBC screened Davina – Beyond Breaking Point, which followed Davina McCall’s attempt to swim, cycle and run from Edinburgh to London within seven days. You can watch it on iPlayer here.
Other bike-related events tying in with Sport Relief include the Tour de Yorkshire Tandem which sees BBC Look North presenters Harry Gration and Amy Garcia take on the routes of the two Yorkshire stages of July’s Tour de France, and the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Cycle rides, which take place in London, Glasgow and Manchester on Sunday.
You can find full details of Sport Relief 2014, including how to donate, on its website.
The problem I'm facing, as I see it, is that there is one group of people (trans women with sporting aspirations) whose wishes (which are of great...
This came up on my Facebook. Always had a slight soft spot for DEB 123 and 456 LOU, etc - easier to remember.
But the name "Blinder", it's slightly worse than Marauder, Barbarian, Defender and the like.
I've given Police Scotland HD video of close passes, and other instances of careless driving ... and had excuses ranging from "log book...
Coincidentally, this just popped up on fb:
If BC are happy to tinker with race categories, as demonstrated, then they could have created an Open category alongside Women and Men, that anyone...
I think you may be crossing boundaries there into a different type of discrimination......
Top marks Granny. Great work
I have an F Moser, rescued from a tip by a friend of a friend. It was setup as a single speed, have found a 9 speed Campgnolo groupset to use...
Another vote for C38s here.