Owain Wyn Evans says ‘I can’t believe I’m here’ as he finishes cycling challenge

Owain Wyn Evans said: “I can’t believe I’m here” as he finished his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday after raising £3,853,530 for Children In Need.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 42, did a five-day cycle ride that took him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

As he crossed the finish line in Cardiff after 11am, Evans was greeted by a crowd cheering him on before he was met by his husband, Arran Rees.

The presenter, whose bike was named Shania Chain, said: “Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania.

“Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can’t believe that I’m here with this welcome and the sun’s out!”

Asked how he was feeling, Evans said: “Just reflecting on what it’s been like. We’re doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need.

“There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations.”

Speaking to fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay, Evans spoke about the gruelling nature of the challenge, saying: “You get the excitement at the start and it’s such an amazing thing.

“My whole life I felt like I had to be grateful for every opportunity that comes my way, because I am.

“You train so hard, me and Shania Twain going around the streets, but the reality of it, it’s so hard.

“It’s been amazing every step of the way and that’s been super emotional as well.”

The broadcaster also expressed his gratitude for the support of Radio 2 listeners, saying: “You feel like you’re part of it and you become close to the people that you’re listening to and also we become close to the people we hear from every day so it’s a lovely thing to be a part of it.

“You see it when people come out.”

Evans was given messages of support from public figures including the Princess of Wales, who recorded a message for him in Welsh, saying: “Hi Owain, it’s Catherine, you’re doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!”

Shania Twain was impressed so much that the bike had been named after her that she sent Evans a message of good luck before he began the challenge.

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!”

She sent him another message when he finished the cycle ride, saying: “Owain, you did it! Congratulations on completing your incredible challenge for Children In Need. You’re still the one my friend, sending you all my love.”

Evans began his broadcasting career in Welsh-language television when he presented the children’s news programme Ffeil.

He later presented the weather on BBC Wales Today and began hosting BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show in 2023.

The three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme will be broadcast live from Salford, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”.

The show will include a return of the Children In Need choir, and will showcase inspiring stories from children and young people across the UK to highlight the impact of the charity.

It will be hosted by Sara Cox, The One Show’s Alex Jones and presenters Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West.

BBC Children In Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday.