ON YER BIKE: ITV ANNOUNCES ONE-OFF CYCLING SHOW
The 90-minute special will be hosted by presenter and cricketing icon Freddie Flintoff with the whole event spearheaded by cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins, the UK’s most decorated Olympian and first British winner of the Tour De France.
This one-off, primetime special will ride on the coat tails of the 2021 summer of sport and comes in light of the news that UK bikes sales were up by 63% in the summer of 2020 as the country pedalled its way through the pandemic.
In support of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which takes place on Saturday 4 September 2021, this cycling spectacle will aim to raise money to help UNICEF deliver 2 billion Covid-19 vaccines around the world and help children get back to school, beat malnutrition and get the healthcare they need both today and long after the crisis is over.
Eight celebrities in two teams, England versus the World, will go head to head over three cycling legs, all set in the gorgeous and dramatic backdrop of rural Yorkshire.
The England team comprises of Coronation Street actress Sair Khan, actor Barney Walsh, Good Morning Britain’s Alex Beresford and Emmerdale favourite Rebecca Sarker. The World team will feature comedian Zoe Lyons, actor Joe McFadden, Love Island star Maura Higgins and singer Keith Duffy.
Freddie Flintoff said: “This show has it has it all – it’s challenging, it’s competitive and it’s all for a good cause. Seeing celebrities in Lycra tackling the enormous hills of the Yorkshire Dales promises to be a real treat for everyone watching from their sofas!”
Sir Bradley Wiggins said: "I'm thrilled ITV have commissioned a show around cycling, it's great to be able to share my passion with so many people. It's also a great opportunity to show off the glorious Yorkshire Dales - a tough route I've cycled many times. I can't wait to put the celebrities through their paces and see who will shine and who needs a little more practice in the saddle”
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment, ITV, said: “We’re thrilled to have two sporting greats head up this brand new show which promises to entertain our viewers as celebrities push themselves outside their comfort zones and hop on two wheels…all in aid of a good cause.”