Celebrity

Owain Wyn Evans starts 400 mile charity cycle with message from pop megastar

Nov 09
Written by Jack Wetherill

Owain Wyn Evans (BBC/Michael White)

Owain Wyn Evans has begun his 400-mile Children in Need bike ride across all four nations of the UK, with Shania Twain sending him a special message of support .

The BBC Radio 2 presenter set off from BBC’s Pacific Quay in Glasgow at around 8.20am on Monday (9 November), as part of the 4 Nations Cycle Challenge raising money for BBC Children in Need. He is cycling through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, and is hoping to get to Cairnryan, Scotland in time to catch the ferry to Northern Ireland.

Message from Shania Twain

Out gay television and radio presenter Evans asked for ideas on what he should name his bike on his early morning show. Options mentioned included Britney Gears, Kylie Spinogue and Áine Bike, but Shania Chain was the winner.

Twain recorded a special message for Evans before he set off. In her message, Twain tells him: “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!”

Owain Wyn Evans’ 4 Nations Cycle Challenge route

Day one sees Evans head south from Glasgow along Scotland’s west coast, with the first leg described as “the first 84 of the 400 miles”. He is due to finish the challenge in Cardiff on Friday.

Before starting out, Evans said: “Glasgow is looking gorgeous this morning and honestly we couldn’t have hoped for better weather to kick off the challenge.”

A route tracker is live on the charity’s website, with the route being published daily as the ride continues.

Evans, who previously raised more than £3million for the charity with his 2021 “Drumathon”, has also spoken about finding the training tough both physically and mentally, after having to train every day since July.