Two cyclists hope to become the first to be satellite-tracked in real-time, for the entire 975 mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Two cyclists from Reading, Berkshire, are expected to set off from Land’s End on June 9th with the aim of cycling the entire length of Britain while being satellite tracked every minute of their entire 14-day trip.

Olympic distance triathlete, Tony Stevens and fellow cyclist Steve Young, will be carrying GPS tracking devices for their 950 mile journey – allowing anyone, including their sponsors, to monitor their progress via the internet.

The duo are hoping to raise funds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Loddon Ward, and the Bishopswood School for Disabled Children in Reading, Berkshire.

The handheld tracking devices will use satellite and GPRS technology to transmit their location in real time. The cyclists will also use the devices to communicate directly with their mobile support crew and should they encounter a problem, rely on the device’s security features such as SOS alerts or ‘man-down’ notification alerts. The trackers will also automatically notify their family, friends and sponsors by text message when they come within range of their final destination, John O’Groats, on 22nd June.

Richard Frykman, a Director of SimplyTrak - the cyclists sponsor and tracking service provider - said, “We are delighted to sponsor Steve and Tony especially given that their causes are very relevant to the technology being used.”

Many organizations and local authorities are now turning to personal GPS tracking devices as a way to monitor and protect their staff, in particular, lone workers.  Nowhere is this more evident than in the healthcare sector where recent studies have shown an alarming rise in the number of attacks on care workers who are often exposed to highly emotional, unpredictable or aggressive persons. Similarly, many parents are also turning to GPS tracking technology to keep tabs on their children.

Readers can track the cyclists progress on the internet by visiting www.simplytrak.com.