This summer, Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com and passionate cyclist, will embark on a remarkable challenge, cycling from Leeds Bradford Airport to Nice Airport on the French Riviera. The journey, dubbed the “Yorkshire Beast Unleashed,” will see Martin racing against an electric vehicle (EV) driven by his business partner, Steve Dennis, to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters.
Martin’s ambitious route spans approximately 1,108 miles, taking him through the French Alps via “Col de la Bonette,” Europe’s highest paved road at an altitude of 2,710 metres. Meanwhile, Steve will face a different kind of endurance test, navigating a 3,300-mile EV journey through 20 countries, complete with charging stops and varying road regulations.
The challenge kicks off on 17th June 2025 at Leeds Bradford Airport. Martin aims to cover around 310 miles in just two days from Leeds to Dover, before heading into France. His path will take him through picturesque countryside, gruelling mountain climbs, and diverse terrain before reaching Nice Airport. Along the way, celebrities including “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” runner-up Owen Warner and “Hollyoaks” star Billy Price will join segments of the adventure.
Martin Mansell said: “This isn’t just a race, it’s a testament to human resilience and determination. We love pushing boundaries and bringing communities together with these challenges, and we’re excited for many people to support and join us for different parts of the race. Both Alzheimer’s Society and Candlelighters are causes close to my heart, and I’m proud to support their life-changing work.
“I have never cycled such a long distance or at these heights before. The route is more than two and a half times the distance of the 2024 Yorkshire Beast Challenge around our region, so training over the next five months is going to be ultra-intense.”

Steve Dennis, CCO of EnjoyTravel.com, will tackle his own hurdles as he navigates 20 countries in an electric vehicle. He said: “Navigating 20 countries in an electric vehicle presents unique challenges, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to show how far electric vehicle technology has come. I want to prove that electric cars are a practical and eco-friendly option for modern travellers, especially when renting a car abroad, and supporting two incredible charities at the same time is going to make this journey really rewarding.”
The event aims to raise £50,000 for two charities close to Martin and Steve’s hearts:
- Alzheimer’s Society: The UK’s leading dementia charity, providing support and funding research. This cause is particularly personal to Martin, whose father has been affected by the disease.
- Candlelighters: A Yorkshire-based charity supporting children with cancer and their families.
Martin is no stranger to ambitious challenges. His 2024 Yorkshire Beast Challenge, a 450-mile cycle across the Yorkshire Dales, raised over £16,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. The “Yorkshire Beast Unleashed” hopes to surpass that success, with the first £10,000 already raised, thanks to support from Maple Parking, an airport parking provider sponsoring the initial leg from Leeds to Dover.
You can follow Martin and Steve’s epic journey and support their fundraising efforts HERE.