Why it matters: Latest research reveals construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average due to the overlooked physical and mental challenges they face.
The details: The Construction Sport Nuclear Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge set off from Hinkley Point C in Somerset on Monday on the 300-mile ride to Sizewell C in Suffolk.
Cyclists will make their way through Bristol, Bicester and Cambridge before crossing the finishing line at 16:30 on Thursday 10 April.
What they're saying: "Mental health is a big concern in the industry and Construction Sport does amazing work providing opportunities for people to link up and play sport together," said Women in Construction Anglia founder Clare Friel from Ipswich, who is among the riders.
"I'm looking forward to getting in the saddle but must say I'm a little nervous about the ride. It's a long way and not everywhere is quite as flat as Suffolk."
Behind the scenes: Construction Sport is a charity focusing on improving mental health in the construction sector through sport and its proactive approach, creating opportunities for people to get together.
The charity's CEO Steve Kerslake, who runs a groundworks company and understands the construction struggles first hand, will be among the riders taking on the challenge.
"We will have around 15 people from the construction industry taking part," he said. "It will be a great event."
"The charity has previously set up a number of challenges, including walks along the HS2 route and the Thames Tideway, but this is the first cycling challenge we've done in the UK."
"It will be a fun ride – hopefully not as hard as a day's digging."
The bigger picture: "There has been a lot done about mental health in terms of awareness over the years but not so much proactively in setting up events that can help and create change," Kerslake added.
"Our industry is affected more than most with mental health, so being able to organise community events and sports teams to help tackle the issue is a real privilege."
The bottom line: The challenge brings together construction professionals to address serious mental health concerns in their industry through positive action and community-building.
