Exeter Chiefs star Chris Bentley’s most gruelling test yet

A gruelling 200-mile rowing race across the Mediterranean is set to begin this July – and among the crews taking on the challenge is former Exeter Chiefs forward Chris Bentley.

The NOMAN Ocean Rowing Races, which run between Barcelona and Ibiza, aim to raise awareness of HPV-related cancers and the need for gender-neutral vaccination to eliminate the virus globally. HPV is the cause of 5% of cancers worldwide, and although a vaccine exists, access remains unequal – especially for boys and men.

Chris, 45, is one of more than 30 participants tackling the open-water row for the first time. He’ll be joined by an all-female crew that includes GB Olympian Sara Parfett, adventurer and cancer survivor Brooke King, and British mountaineer Rebecca Ferry – the first UK woman to summit and return from K2 base camp.

“I saw this as a challenge that would be arduous enough as a first go on the water with genuine jeopardy and effort,” Chris said. “Cancer touched my family for the first time a couple of years ago and I saw just how cruel it can be. HPV causes 5% of cancers globally, yet they are preventable with a vaccine – the NOMAN Campaign appealed to me because it needs more awareness.”

The race, organised by the NOMAN campaign, has been running since 2013 and supports a bold goal: the global introduction of gender-neutral HPV vaccination programmes by 2030. Currently, over 80 countries have adopted such schemes, thanks in part to NOMAN’s advocacy.

This year’s races take place from 12 to 20 July (Barcelona to Ibiza) and from 19 to 26 July (Ibiza to Barcelona), with each team rowing day and night in shifts, battling exhaustion, the elements and open sea.

NOMAN’s mission is backed by health professionals and campaigners worldwide. Its Director, David Winterflood, said, “No other vaccine is given to just one gender. Including boys in HPV programmes protects them and accelerates the elimination of cervical cancer in females.”