Cycling with Chris is like a kickabout with Ronaldo

Tribute 0 Olympic hero who inspired star on Chopper trek

- JOHN DINGWALL

TV presenter and radio host Paddy McGuinness said cycling alongside Sir Chris Hoy was like "having a kickabout with Ronaldo" after finishing a 300-mile charity cycle ride from Wales to Scotland.

Paddy hailed his mentor Sir Chris as an "inspiration" after he completed the epic Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge yesterday when he arrived at the BBC's Scottish headquarters in Glasgow on a customised Raleigh Chopper bike.

People lined the streets of towns and villages on the Scottish leg of his journey, which has raised close to £9million for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

Paddy admitted their support and having Sir Chris, who recently made public his terminal cancer diagnosis, in his corner were inspirational.

Speaking to The Record, the 51-year-old said: "Having Sir Chris at my side was massive.

"When he came to my house about three or four days before the challenge and I went out with him again he took me to a hill called Blaze Hill where, if you're into biking, it's torturous.