Owain Wyn Evans has admitted he is feeling nervous ahead of his gruelling BBC Children in Need cycling challenge.
With 19 days to go before he sets off on his four nations cycling mission, the BBC Radio 2 Early Breakfast presenter told Sara Cox he had experienced a few moments of doubt about whether he was ready.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Owain said: “I’ve got to be honest I’ve had a couple of wobbles, over the weekend I was like, I’m so not ready!”
Despite following the training advice of leading sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte, Owain admitted the scale of the challenge was difficult to get his head around.
He explained: “When I think about what I need to do, you know, 400 miles, 4 nations over the space of 4 or 5 days, I just don’t feel like it’s a thing I’m able to do.”
Sara encouraged Owain to focus on each day rather than worrying about the entire journey, while acknowledging the scale of the task ahead.
She told him: “Well, you’ve got to take it one day at a time. That’s how you’ve got to try and tackle it. Don’t think about the whole thing. Just keep pedalling, that’s all you’ve got to do, and you will do it.”
Sara also reminded him that the challenge would be tough, particularly with the weather potentially adding to the difficulties.
She said: “I don’t want to say the W word to you, but the weather has taken a slight turn, hasn’t it?”
Owain revealed he was preparing for another training session with Greg when he spoke to Sara, with rain and cold temperatures already making conditions challenging.
“It’s been pouring down here and also quite cold to be honest, quite chilly,” he said.
Owain added that, while he could prepare as thoroughly as possible, the weather was one part of the challenge beyond his control, drawing a comparison with Sara’s own fundraising adventure.
Professor Greg Whyte is providing bespoke support to help Owain prepare for the ride, having previously worked on numerous charity challenges, including Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need last year.
The upcoming ride will be the greatest distance ever covered in a Radio 2 fundraising challenge, with Owain aiming to cycle nearly 400 miles across four nations in five days.
Starting in Glasgow on Monday 9 November, the challenge will take him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, before finishing in central Cardiff on Friday 13 November.
The challenge forms part of BBC Children in Need’s fundraising efforts, with Owain facing a demanding test of endurance as he prepares to take on the journey.
Follow Owain’s journey on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. To donate, visit www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
Photo Credit: BBC