Former England Rugby League captain Sam Tomkins is preparing to tackle a gruelling 300km mountain cycling challenge across southern Spain in aid of Velindre Cancer Charity.
Supporting him throughout the challenge is Manchester-based health optimisation and recovery specialists Projuvenate, which will provide free specialist treatment, recovery support and performance preparation before, during and after the event. Projuvenate is also sponsoring Tomkins for the challenge, with the company’s branding featuring on his official cycling jersey throughout the ride.
The Velindre 2026 Bike Seville to Marbella Challenge takes place at the end of May, and will see riders complete more than 300km across Andalusia over three consecutive days. There are two groups taking part. He is part of the second group whose challenge begins on 29th May to 1st June 2026.
Beginning in Seville and finishing on the Costa del Sol, the route takes riders through rolling vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards and historic towns, alongside steep mountain climbs and sweeping descents through the Sierra de Grazalema region before culminating in Marbella.
Tomkins, widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of his generation, is raising funds for Velindre Cancer Charity, whose mission is to enhance the lives of cancer patients, carers and families in Wales by funding innovative projects and services beyond NHS provision.
The rugby league great previously completed a 625km Velindre charity bike ride across Florida in 2024, which saw 76 cyclists raise more than £500,000 for the charity, and described it as one of the toughest physical challenges he has ever faced.
Sam Tomkins said: “The 2024 ride in America was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically and mentally. It genuinely made playing rugby feel easy at times. This challenge in Spain will also be tough with over 300 kilometres and some brutal mountain climbs packed into just three days.
“But what keeps you going is knowing why you’re doing it. Velindre Cancer Charity provides incredible support for people and families going through some of the toughest moments imaginable, and every penny raised goes directly towards helping them.
“The support from Projuvenate has been massive for me already. Having experts around me helping with recovery, preparation and keeping my body in the best condition possible gives me a huge amount of confidence going into a challenge like this.”
Tomkins has currently raised nearly £14,000 towards his £16,000 fundraising target.
As part of its support, Projuvenate is overseeing Tomkins’ physical preparation and recovery strategy, including physiotherapy treatment, strength work, soft tissue therapy, load management and rehabilitation support at its clinic near Manchester airport.
Tomkins and Projuvenate founder and Director of Physiotherapy Rob Artingstall, first worked together through England Rugby League, where Artingstall served as former Head Physio for England Rugby League and worked closely with Tomkins throughout his playing career and later coaching involvement.
Rob Artingstall, director of physiotherapy at Projuvenate, said: “Sam’s commitment to anything he does is incredible. He is a fierce competitor and never takes shortcuts, which is why he achieved so much during his rugby career. When he told me about this challenge and the work Velindre Cancer Charity does, it was a complete no-brainer for us to support him.
“This is an incredibly demanding event, physically and mentally. Three consecutive days of climbing and long hours on the bike places huge stress on the body, so our role is to help Sam prepare properly, recover effectively and stay performing at his best throughout the challenge.
“The recovery and performance strategies will focus heavily on sleep, nutrition, hydration, soft tissue work and active recovery, alongside manual therapy, ice baths and red-light recovery treatments.”
Projuvenate, which opened its doors last year, offers physiotherapy, recovery, longevity and performance optimisation services and actively supports athletes and individuals undertaking major endurance fundraising events across the UK and internationally.
To support Sam Tomkins and donate to Velindre Cancer Charity, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/velindre-cancee-charity-bike-ride-2026