Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free ‘in bits’ as she battles through almighty hills for Red Nose Day challenge

Today, fatigued BBC Radio 1’s Arielle Free, is tackling the streets of Sheffield for day three of her ambitious Red Nose Day challenge, where she is attempting to cycle for 50 hours, across five cities in five days, all whilst DJing live, in the ultimate test of stamina, strength and endurance.

Joined by Radio 1 listeners, day one of the challenge saw Arielle set off from York St John University, and whizz past the beautiful sights of the York Theatre Royal, over the River Ouse and along the York City Walls.

Throughout day two of the challenge in Leeds, Arielle was faced with a number of almighty hills as she struggled to pedal the heavy and hefty 10-person bike, which has NO gears and is designed for flat roads. But she managed to complete the day which saw her kick off from Leeds University and scoot past Headingley, home of the historic Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

The incredible support of Radio 1 listeners on the bike and at home are hugely spurring Arielle on and helping her get through the hardest moments.

Having already conquered 20 hours of cycling through York and Leeds, Arielle is set to face another relentless day of cycling while DJing, through the streets of Sheffield, pedalling through freezing weather and joined by Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope for three hours to power through another day of tortuous hills.

Arielle will then be heading to Manchester on Wednesday and Liverpool on Thursday for the finish line. With the muscles in Arielle’s legs, hips and glutes in pain and constantly tightening, she is having to go through agonising physio to keep those wheels turning.

Arielle Free said: “This is so much harder than I ever imagined. I was so excited to get going and I think the adrenaline pulled me through day one, but by the end I was absolutely shattered!

I’m hurting in places I didn’t even know I could hurt in. I knew my legs would suffer, but my arms and shoulders are on fire from the constant DJing! I am so happy to have the support of the other people on the bike, I really don’t think I would be able to get through it without them. We will complete this cycle rave together!”

Alison Hammond said: “I am so proud of you, you’re absolutely smashing it! I’m so glad you did it, because it means that I didn’t have to! Thank you babes, I owe you one, I love you so very much, you’re doing such a great thing, for such a great cause!”

Zara Larsson said: “I think it’s absolutely amazing what you’re doing for Comic Relief, and I wish you all the best. I’m not jealous, but I love what you’re doing, keep cycling and stay strong.”

Sam Ryder said: “We are all rooting for you. Go and raise loads of cash for a good cause!”

You can catch up with how Arielle is getting on by tuning into Radio 1, the BBC Sounds app and through social media. You can also catch up with Arielle at the end of each day by listening in on Vick Hope and Jordan North’s show, ‘Tour de Dance for Red Nose Day’ which is being broadcast live from each of the cities Arielle is cycling through.

Please show your support for Arielle to get her through the longest rave of her life to raise life changing money for Comic Relief. The money raised will help support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food poverty here in the UK and around the world.

To find out more, cycle over to: http://www.comicrelief.com/arielle