Rugby star tackles charity cycle ride

A former international rugby star is preparing for a gruelling endurance cycling challenge across Spain while raising thousands of pounds for cancer support services.

Ex-England Rugby League captain Sam Tomkins will take on the Velindre 2026 Bike Seville to Marbella Challenge later this month, covering more than 300km across Andalusia over three days.

Supporting his preparation is Manchester-based health optimisation and recovery business Projuvenate, which is providing specialist physiotherapy, rehabilitation and performance support ahead of the ride.

The company is also sponsoring Tomkins for the event, with its branding appearing on his official cycling kit throughout the challenge.

Beginning in Seville and finishing in Marbella, the route will take riders through mountain climbs, rolling countryside and historic towns across southern Spain, including the Sierra de Grazalema region.

Tomkins, widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of his generation, is raising funds for Velindre Cancer Charity, which supports cancer patients, carers and families across Wales through projects and services beyond NHS provision.

Sam previously completed a 625km charity ride across Florida in 2024, helping raise more than £500,000 for the charity.

Ahead of this year’s challenge, he has already raised nearly £14,000 towards his £16,000 target.

Sam, who played for Wigan Warriors, New Zealand Warriors and Catalans Dragons in a glittering career, 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.”

Projuvenate founder and director of physiotherapy Rob Artingstall previously worked alongside Sam during his time as head physio for England Rugby League, with the pair reconnecting through the challenge.

The Manchester clinic, which launched last year, specialises in physiotherapy, recovery and performance optimisation services and supports athletes and individuals involved in endurance fundraising events across the UK and overseas.

Rob added: “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.”

 To support Sam and donate to Velindre Cancer Charity, click here.

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