FORMER York City Knights star Craig Forsyth is leading an attempt to brake a cycling world record in support of two charities.

Forsyth had planned to cycle from Leeds Rhinos’ Emerald Headingley stadium to Toulouse Olympique’s Stade Ernest Wallon as part of the double header involving the two clubs planned for next weekend.

The 900-mile effort in the space of five days ahead of the game was all in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) following the diagnosis of Rhinos’ legend Rob Burrow.

However, given the lockdown measures put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, Forsyth had to seek an alternative challenge.

The 49-year-old will join 24 other rugby players in taking up a record-breaking 30-hour static bike ride through the virtual training game Zwift.

As well as raising money for the MNDA, the effort will also support the charity Rugby League Cares.

Speaking to the York City Knights website, Forsyth said: “Why am I taking part in this? My usual answer: Why not?

“Opportunities often present themselves and it’s a choice we make as to which ones we take.

"I’ve chosen to take this opportunity.

"It helps a fair bit when someone else is doing the organising.

"So when I saw Josh Taylor’s Twitter post about what him and a few others were doing I offered to join in."

In total, Forsyth played 133 times for his hometown side York across three spells at the club before retiring from the sport in 2006.

55 of Forsyth's appearances came while playing the Knights, who also represented Heworth ARLFC as a junior.

He has gone on to participate in a number of gruelling charity feats since retirement.

These include marathons, iron man triathlons and even a round the world Yatch race, and will row solo across the Atlantic for the Sporting Chance foundation in January 2021 (details of which will follow in due course).

At present, the Guinness World Record for the longest group static cycle is held by a group of 25 people who cycled in a spin studio for 28 hours in December 2019.

Writing on his JustGiving page, Forsyth explained: "Now, whilst we cannot cycle in the same room, I figured through Zwift we could create a group of riders (minimum 25) who would be willing to ride for 30 hours to break the record.

"I’ve already emailed Guinness World Records to which I’ve not had a reply yet to see whether they would accept this as verification but when it’s on Zwift and traceable I don’t see how it can’t be.

"Either way, even if it wasn’t I would personally take satisfaction on us completing it and knowing we had beaten the current world record, official or not!

“The aim is to set a record for the longest duration of group riders on static bikes," Forsyth added, when speaking to the York City Knights website.

"It gives me a focus away from the rowing machine that seems to have become like a growth on my backside for the last 18 months (laughs).

Like many in the rugby league community, Forsyth was emotionally struck by the news of Burrow's diagnosis of motor neurone disease in January.

Since then, almost £350,000 has been raised for the former Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain legend who won 16 major honours during his playing career.

“Raising money for the MNDA Charity while taking part it’s an added incentive to keep going," said Forsyth.

"I’ll never forget the emotion I felt when I heard the news about Rob Burrow.

"The shockwave that it sent across the rugby league family was enormous.

"And for all the joy he supplied when I watched him play, there was no reason not to take part

“We’ll be doing the world record attempt for another cause that is close to my heart, Rugby League Cares.

"The independent charity has been supporting Rob and hundreds of other current and former players through their journey in the sport.”

To support Craig Forsyth's cause, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/30hoursonabike