Huw Evans AgencyMarvel star Ryan Reynolds has thrown his support behind more than 200 riders taking part in a charity cycle in aid of research into motor neuron disease (MND) cures.
Cyclists taking part in the Doddie Cup 555 ride set off from Cardiff en route to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on Thursday.
The Deadpool and Free Guy star sent a video since shared on social media wishing the riders luck, and extended advance welcome to The Racecourse Ground – home Wrexham AFC, which he purchased with It’s Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney – where the peloton is due to stop on Friday morning.
The challenge will raise money for Doddie Aid with funds donated to the late rugby legend Doddie Weir’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which invests into MND research.
Reynolds, 46, who has recently gained more international attention in Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham, cheered on the Glenkinchie Whisky Riders, one of the sponsor teams taking part in the Doddie Cup 555, and all the ride’s participants.
He said: “This is a message for the entire team on this incredible MND ride. I just want to wish you guys all the best – go get ‘em! What an incredible cause. It’s a wonderful thing you’re all doing.
“I hear you may stop off at the Racecourse Ground, so enjoy it – it’s a pretty magical place, and best of luck to each and every one of you.”
The charity ride kicked off on Thursday, February 9 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Rob Wainwright, Doddie Weir’s Scotland, and British & Irish Lions teammate, is leading the 200-strong peloton on its 555-mile journey from Principality Stadium to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield.
Riders are now embarking on a gruelling route via rugby clubs across Wales, England, and Scotland in time for the Scotland vs Wales Six Nations Championship match on Saturday February 11, where The Princess Royal will receive the match ball.
The star-studded team of famous faces and rugby legends will attempt to make the trip in just 48 hours.
Names include international rugby players and endurance cyclists, such as Sir Chris Hoy MBE, world record breaker Mark Beaumont, former England captain Martin Johnson, and former Scotland international Carl Hogg – one of Weir’s closest friends.
There is also a team made up of Weir’s teammates from the victorious 1997 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa including Paul Wallace, Jeremy Davidson, and Tim Stimpson.
HRH The Princess Royal presented the Scotland vs Wales Six Nations match ball at Gloucester Rugby Club yesterday ahead of the Saturday’s match.
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