FORMER Wales back row forward Alix Popham has given his support to the ‘stunning’ Tour de Gwent 2017 by calling for more riders to take part and for more sponsors to saddle up.

Brive, Llanelli Scarlets and Newport player Alix, aged 37, who was capped 33 times for Wales, took up cycling after retiring from the sport due to injury.

Alix is taking part in this year’s Tour de Gwent. He has also entered the gruelling 3,100 mile Ride Across America Raam Ride charity cycle event and has invited riders of the event to join him on the Tour de Gwent this year.

The 77-mile Tour de Gwent 2017, in aid of St David’s Hospice Care and offering five circular routes, is staged on Sunday, April 9, starting and finishing at Caerleon RFC & Cricket Pavilion.

Current event sponsors are: G2A, Kymin Financial Services, Advantage Accountancy, Go Compare, Parade graphic designs, Tiny Rebel Brewery, Xpress Recruitment, Mon Motors Group, Basepoint, HAASCO Accountancy, County Marquees, Rowe & King and Protectorcomms Ltd.

Alix said: “The Tour de Gwent is such as brilliant event and takes rider through the most fantastic south Wales countryside. I have invited colleagues, from across the UK taking part in the Raam Ride, to join me on the Tour de Gwent.

“Our event is such a tremendous ride that I wanted to show the others, before we head off to the USA and it’ll be very good training too.”

Alix, from Rhiwderin, is ambassador for the Tour de Gwent event and will ride in the 77-mile event, gathered with lead sponsor Rhys Morton, of Newport-based Whitehead Building Services and other sponsors at St David’s Hospice Care in Malpas.

Alix said: “The Tour de Gwent is a truly stunning event which goes through some of the most spectacular parts of the country. It is challenging, with great climbs which tests some of the most experienced of riders but also offers a great deal for families and less experienced cyclists to enjoy.”

Keen cyclist Rhys Morton, said: “We’re thrilled to have Alix as ambassador for the Tour de Gwent. We can’t thank him enough for all that he does for the event. We’re hopeful that his continued support for the event and the recent improvement in the weather will encourage others to get back on their bikes and sign up for the Tour de Gwent.

“Whitehead has had a long association with St David’s Hospice Care which we are delighted to continue. A number of our 150 staff will be involved in the Tour de Gwent on the day from riding the route to helping out as marshalls.”

The Tour de Gwent attracted 500 cyclists last year and organisers are hoping to top that total in 2017.

Organiser Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re thrilled Alix Popham is taking part in the Tour de Gwent challenge again this year and with all the support we have got from our wonderful sponsors.

“We are hopeful many others will now follow Alix’s lead and saddle up in support of St David’s Hospice Care to help us continue the vital work we carry out throughout our community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, 365 days a year. We would also like a few more sponsors to now sign up to support the event”

The Tour de Gwent starts and finishes at Caerleon Cricket Pavilion. It sees riders tackle one of five routes ranging from 20 to 77 miles, on roads and lanes in Newport, Torfaen and mostly in Monmouthshire.

The challenge is to complete your chosen course within three to 10 hours and arrive back at the finish village at Caerleon Cricket Pavilion in time to enjoy the BBQ, refreshments, live music, entertainment and stalls.

The minimum age for entrants is 16-years, although it is 12 for the midi event. The entry fee is £50 which includes an exclusive event cycling ‘sport cut’ jersey, route maps, water and feeding stations, Safety Bike Marshals, First Aid cover

To register and get more details of the route visit www.tourdegwent.org or call 01633 851051.