Gwent doors and windows manufacturer IDM has found a new opening for its talents by backing and taking part in one of Wales’ premier cycling events-the Whitehead Tour de Gwent.

The business, located in the shadow of the city’s world famous Transporter Bridge in Mill Parade, Newport, is backing the Whitehead Tour de Gwent ’19 in aid of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care.

The Whitehead Tour de Gwent ’19 takes place on Sunday, April 14, across six routes ranging from the 93-mile platinum route to the three-mile route for kids.

IDM manufactures and fit doors and windows throughout Gwent.

Keen cyclist IDM managing director Ian Pritchard said: “My daughter Laura and myself rode in the Dalmatian Bike Ride event (in aid of St David’s Hospice Care) in 2018 and managed to raise £300 in sponsorship between us. We thought we would like to do the same sort of thing again this year. We’ve entered the Whitehead Tour de Gwent, are sponsors and have got some others to join us in the event as well.”

Ian said: “Laura is 19 and is a student at Derby University but when she was 14 she had the idea of cycling from Monmouth to Limoges in France as we have a house there. We went from Monmouth to Poole and then Cherbourg to Limoges. I did this with her and we cycled with all of our luggage unaided from door to door. It took us two weeks but we had a great time and raised more than £600 pounds for charity (Bridge 2 Aid) at the same time, so we do enjoy doing this sort of thing.”

First time event cyclists Annett Pritchard and Michelle Wheatstone, who will be tackling the shorter, 30-mile course, are encouraging other rookie riders to get on their bikes and take part.

Ian said he and his business associates have personal reasons for wanting to support St David’s Hospice Care including Dean Jeffries and Phil Tucker, of New Inn Windows, who is also riding in the event.

“St Davids Hospice Care looked after Phil’s father during his last days, some 10 years ago, and more recently also gave care to Dean’s father.”

Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care who is organising the event, said: “We’re thrilled to have Ian, from IDM Doors, on board both supporting and taking part in the event this year. Perhaps now Ian has opened the door in this way others will step through and enter the event as well this year.”

For more details on the Whitehead Tour de Gwent ’19 and how to enter visit www.tourdegwent.org.