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Posted: Mon 11th Nov 2024
Presenter and comedian Paddy McGuinness kicked off his Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need in Wrexham this morning.
The Phoenix Nights star and Radio 2 presented will be attempting to cycle 300 miles from Wrexham AFC to Glasgow on a Raleigh Chopper ahead of this Friday’s Children in Need.
Before setting off on his challenge from The Racecourse, Paddy spoke to Dot Davies and James Williams from BBC Radio Wales about what it was like to train with Sir Chris Hoy.
“It’s like being a football fan and having a kickabout with Messi,” explained Paddy.
“If you’re a cyclist you’d give your right arm to train with him. He’s so inspiring he gets me through the days when were out training and he’s just a pleasure to be around.”
He went on to explain why he chose the chopper bike for his challenge. “I could never afford one always wanted one its iconic I love the shape of it.
“That’s going to be the star of the show, kids are going to love this, and then the mums and dads can sort of have the rose tinted spectacles on and take themselves back to their own childhoods.”
Picture: BBC
Chris Hoy left a message for Paddy: “There is no doubt this will be the toughest thing that you ever do. There’s no two ways about it.
“The next five days are going to be gruelling. Hill after hill after hill. Paddy you must keep pedalling on your little chopper.
“This will be five relentless days over brutal terrain but when it gets really tough just remember why you’re doing this.
“You’re doing this to inspire the nation. You’re doing this for Children in Need. And we’re all behind you. And just remember that every mile you ride is a mile closer to getting off that saddle.
“Paddy you’re a hero and whatever happens we’re so proud of you. Now: On your bike!
Actor Michael Sheen also left a voicenote for Paddy: “Hello Paddy, it’s your old mate Michael Sheen here.
“What a fantastic thing you’re doing here. I want to give you as much support as possible, so as inspiration – I’m going to do a bike ride as well! I’m going to go from this wall here, all the way across to that wall over there.
“If I can do it, *grunts* you can do it, mate! Good luck, all the best *grunts*! All the best!”
Between 7.45 and 8.15am today, Zoe Ball on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show spoke to Paddy and set him off on his way. You can listen back to their chat here. Remember you can pause and rewind live programming to enable transcription. Once the live programme has finished, you can find it on BBC Sounds.
You can follow Paddy McGuiness en route via the Tracker.
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