Greg James is completing The Longest Ride, in which he will cycle 1,000km on a tandem bicycle from Weymouth to Edinburgh in eight days to raise funds for the charity.

After completing 123km on day one yesterday, Mr James was faced with the infamous hilly landscape of the South Wales Valleys.

Mr James cycled through Pontypool on his journey (Image: BBC)

Today, he faced one of the toughest climbs of the entire challenge and pedalled higher than the height of Ben Nevis as he made his way through part of Gwent and across landscapes that aren’t for the faint of heart.

He won’t have to do it alone, as today he was joined on the tandem by BBC Radio 4 presenter Paddy O’Connell and YouTuber and comedian Max Fosh, who hopped on the back seat to offer important encouragement through one of the most difficult periods of the challenge.

The people of Gwent – and one red nosed horse – came out in force to support Mr James on his challenge, as he made his way over the Severn Bridge and toward Chepstow. From there, he powered on toward Usk, Pontypool, Abersychan and Blaenavon before eventually finishing in Abergavenny shortly after 4pm.  

A red nose horse even came out to cheer on Greg James (Image: BBC)

After his stint on the tandem, Paddy O’Connell said “I had an amazing morning with Greg, everyone in Wales came out when we crossed the border and came over the bridge. 

“I think everyone wants to do what he’s urging them to do, which is come together, put a smile on each others faces and raise some money.” 

Locals came out to support him on his way through Chepstow (Image: Sarah Harris)

Speaking live from The Longest Climb, Mr James was extremely appreciative of the Welsh countryside. He said: “I’ve gotta say, I love this country anyway, but Wales man – my god, BEAUTIFUL!

“I mean, some of those climbs are not beautiful. But when you get up there – we were about 250m up – it was a high climb and then we were just in these beautiful villages with people coming out their houses I was just shouting like, “I can’t believe you live, here this is amazing!”

Those who wish to support Mr James on his journey can do so through the Comic Relief website.