Owain Wyn Evans has set off on a gruelling five-day cycling challenge across the UK to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
The BBC Radio 2 Early Breakfast presenter departed from BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay in Glasgow shortly after 8am this morning, beginning a journey of nearly 400 miles across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
The challenge, Owain’s 4 Nations Cycle Challenge, is the longest fundraising challenge ever undertaken by Radio 2 and will see him tackle three major climbs before reaching central Cardiff on Friday 13 November.
Owain’s first destination is Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast, with an 84-mile ride ahead of him before catching a ferry to Northern Ireland.
The route was revealed to Owain live on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show by Welsh actor Luke Evans, while a local bagpiper sent him on his way with Scotland the Brave.
Scottish comedian Susan Calman also delivered a motivational speech, while drummers from Glasgow’s Samba Ya Bamba Band provided a musical send-off.
Owain, who previously completed his BBC Children in Need Drumathon challenge in 2021, is undertaking the latest challenge after months of intensive training.
Speaking ahead of the journey, he admitted: “I am very nervous for what the next couple of days have in store for me.”
He also explained why supporting the charity matters so much to him: “I feel very passionately about the importance of BBC Children in Need because no child should feel like they’re alone and don’t have support.”
His specially decorated bicycle, featuring BBC Children in Need colours and Pudsey-inspired spots, has also been given a celebrity-inspired name.
Following suggestions from Radio 2 listeners, the bike has officially been named Shania Chain, prompting music star Shania Twain to send Owain a personal message of encouragement.
She said: “Hi Owain, Shania Twain here! You’re about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children in Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations. As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say ‘Let’s Go, Owain!’ We’ll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck!”
Fellow Radio 2 presenter DJ Spoony was among those supporting Owain at the Glasgow starting line, while Sara Cox also praised the work he had put into preparing for the challenge.
Radio 2 will provide regular updates throughout the five days, with listeners able to follow his progress through BBC Sounds and the station’s social media channels.
A live tracker is also available on the BBC Children in Need website, allowing supporters to follow Owain’s route in real time.
The challenge will also be documented in a special television film, Owain Wyn Evans: Four Nations Challenge for BBC Children in Need, which will air on BBC One on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm.