A 400-mile cycle ride across all four nations in aid of Children In Need is under way, with the broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans spending five days in the saddle.
The 42-year-old Welsh presenter set off from Glasgow on Monday morning. His route runs through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales before the challenge ends in Cardiff on Friday.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, who undertook her own epic challenge for Children in Need last year, was in the studio cheering as Evans got going.
In a video posted on Instagram, Cox said as he pushed off: “He’ll be pushing off now. The crowd will be going wild.
“He’ll be getting his balance, getting his head straight. He’s got a long way to go. Day one of Owain’s four nations cycle challenge.”
Evans has named his bike Shania Chain, a name chosen by BBC Radio 2 listeners. Other suggestions from listeners included Áine Bike, Britney Gears and Kylie Spinogue.
The honour caught the attention of Shania Twain herself, who sent a message wishing him luck after learning the bike had been named after her.
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!”
Evans is currently riding towards the west coast of Scotland, where a ferry will take him to Northern Ireland.
He told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast presenters Dot Davies and James Williams that being picked last in PE as a child shaped his feelings about sport long after leaving school.
He said: “I was always the one picked last in PE, and that’s given me a very weird relationship with sport and exercise growing up.
“As a 42-year-old, I’m finally alright with exercise again, and it’s thanks to this challenge that I’m in that place now.”
Davies and Williams also passed on their well wishes to the broadcaster.
Evans said: “We’ve just kicked off. I’m just in the centre of Glasgow and already it’s been so lovely, the support – people waving, beeping their horns.
“It’s going to be a long old journey. It’s going to be tough. That’s why it’s a challenge.”
A three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme will be broadcast live from Salford on Friday, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”.
The Children In Need choir will return for the show.
Cox will host, joined by The One Show’s Alex Jones and presenters Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West.
The programme will showcase inspiring stories from children and young people across the UK to highlight the impact of the charity.
BBC Children In Need airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday.
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