Dad
The most in-form rider in this year's challenge, Mark has been steadily putting in the miles in the build up to the ride and is hotly tipped to take the yellow jersey from an early stage. The veteran campaigner will be assuming the familiar role of team leader and navigator, which could become an impossible task due to the team's temperamental antique GPS system - with traditional maps ruled out because of the constant driving rain. The grizzly senior wily professional will have to use all his experience to combat the thick clouds of midges along the route, and guide the team safely to the cailie of all cailies at the end of the road.
Tom
Coming into the challenge in customary bad shape, the only notable rides Tom has under his belt this year have both been extreme, unprepared and silly; In January he found himself stranded on a Welsh mountain with no food or energy as he attempted a 70 mile stage in bleak conditions. And more recently his team forced him to enter an 120 mile through-the-night ride with no training. Somehow the ill-prepared chancer got away with both, but is similarly unrehearsed for this year's grand challenge. With the abundance of Guiness stops provided by this year's organisers, Tom's form during the event is not expected to improve.
Greg
Greg's form this season has been patchy to say the least. The young rider will again be relying on raw talent to take him through; while he has been dedicated to a new experimental training regime of watching Le Tour de France every day with a beer, there is widespread doubt about the technique's effectiveness once the rider is actually on a bike. Greg's secondary task on the ride will be director of photography, as he documents every twist and turn of the adventure using special underwater camera technology to counter the extreme weather conditions that have been predicted.
Mum
This year's challenge sees the return of the Support Team. Mum has spent the weeks leading up to the trip modifying the van for fully amphibious operations, with a dedicated decompression chamber to receive a drenched bike team at the end of each day. Mum's role on the tour will be crucial, as was proved last year as the boys barely managed two weeks fending for themselves.
Emily
Joining Mum in the team bus this year is new recruit Emily. Mum was forced to press-gang a new recruit this year after a disappointing performance from Holly in 2010, where she proved to be largely inneffective in every key role except eating stuff and running away. While Emily's main roles will include navigation and tent set-up, she will also be carrying out her usual full-time job of caring for her beloved helpless, scruffy creature. And looking after Holly.
Holly's preparation for this year's challenge has involved a strict regime of eating, sleeping and being sick. Her main roles on the road will include being cute, smelling things and wearing an Irish neck scarf.
Joining the team for a cameo appearance in the latter stages, Thar and Tomos will provide crucial moral support as the riders approach the finishing line. Key roles will include shouting, banner creation and rapid pint-delivery.
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