BEAST vs. BATTERY

THE BEAST UNLEASHED 2025

The Beast Unleashed Challenge 2025

The Beast Leaves Yorkshire: A Transcontinental Odyssey of Man vs Machine

In a thrilling twist, the Yorkshire Beast is shedding its regional roots and embarking on an audacious cross-European adventure. Following the impressive 460-mile perimeter ride around Yorkshire in 2024, the 2025 edition promises to be a heart-pounding, border-hopping spectacle that redefines endurance challenges.

Two Titans, One Herculean Task

On 17 June 2025, as dawn breaks over Leeds Bradford Airport, two determined adventurers will set off on a challenge that blends human tenacity with cutting-edge technology. In one corner stands Martin Mansell, ready to pedal a gruelling 1,080 miles (1738 km) to the sun-drenched shores of Nice, traversing "Col de la Bonette" in the French Alps at a 2,710m altitude (8,907 ft). On the other, Steve Dennis prepares to navigate an electric vehicle through a labyrinth of 20 countries and 3,300 miles (5311 km) of diverse European terrain.

EnjoyTravel.com

Our main sponsor helping every step of the way, our experts in Travel.

UMPF PR

Multi award-winning integrated agency

GiveStar

BlackerHall Farm

Matt Gillard

Clarion

Our Ambassadors

The Beast Unleashed is supported with the help of these awesome people...

Matt Gillard

Performance coach and physio providing recovery, injury prevention and support throughout the challenge.

Eorl Crabtree

English Rugby Legend & Powerhouse on & off the field

Owen Warner

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Runner-up & Actor

Jonty Warneken

The first amputee to conquer the swim the North Channel

Beast Unleashed: A 21st Century Showdown

Prepare for an electrifying spectacle as the Beast Unleashed challenge unfolds. This isn't just another event; it's a gripping battle between human grit and cutting-edge technology. Watch in awe as a determined cyclist and an electric vehicle go head-to-head towards the finish line at Nice's Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur, pushing the boundaries of endurance and innovation.

Bike

The BEAST

Our intrepid cyclist, Mansell, faces a Herculean task that would make even the most hardened athletes quiver. Picture this: 1,080 miles of relentless pedalling across diverse landscapes, conquering punishing inclines including the formidable French Alps. Every mile is a battle against fatigue, terrain, and the ticking clock.

From Leeds to Nice

Across France

• Starting at Leeds Bradford Airport, England

• Traversing France

• Scaling iconic climbs like La Bonette Pass (Col de la Bonette),
French Alps at 9,000 ft altitude (2,715 m)

Months of gruelling preparation are going into this challenge. Mansell is spending countless hours building stamina through long-distance rides, conquering steep hills to build strength, and mastering recovery techniques crucial for this epic ultrathon journey.

See the Route

EV Car

Engineering Excellence

In the other corner, we have Dennis piloting the BYD Sealion 7, kindly provided by BYD UK and BYD Europe. This compact electric powerhouse, with its impressive range, is about to embark on an epic 3,300-mile odyssey spanning 20 countries.

20 Countries

Across Europe

• From Yorkshire's rolling hills to France's sun-kissed Riviera

• Navigating through 20 diverse European nations

• Tackling varied terrains and infrastructure challenges

This isn't just a test of the BYD Sealion 7's capabilities; it's a masterclass in logistics. Dennis must navigate a maze of border crossings, varying EV regulations, and the constant challenge of finding charging points. From the well-equipped networks of France to the sparser infrastructure in countries like Hungary and Romania, every mile brings new challenges.