UK INVITICUS Games team army veteran captain Mark ‘Dot’ Perkins was at the head of the pack when he got riders under way at this year’s Whitehead Tour de Gwent cycle event.

And the former army man was so impressed at the finish of the charity cycling event that he has already signed up for next year.

Royal Corp of Signals veteran Mark Perkins, known as Dot, was seriously injured 18 years ago when crushed by a lorry while on manoeuvres in Kenya. Colleagues also crushed didn’t survive.

As well as starting the Whitehead Tour de Gwent 2019 Dot, who has endured numerous operations since his accident, also took part in the cycling event in aid of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care.

Dot completed the longest and most challenging of the six routes in the event, the 93-mile Platinum route, in five hours 40 minutes.

Dot, aged 43, originally from Cornwall but now living in Cardiff working to rehabilitate injured soldiers, brought his three Invictus Games medals along to inspire other riders in the gruelling event. He won the three medals for cycling, rowing and vehicle driving.

The former corporal, injured and medically discharged from the army in 2005 after 11 years’ service, retrained as a physiotherapist. He entered the Invictus Games after being persuaded to by one of his patients.

Mr Perkins said: “A friend and fellow cyclist, Alex Moulder, who I used to serve and who was awarded a bronze for cycling in the Sydney Invictus Games asked me to join him this year. It was a great chance for both of us to catch up while cycling the platinum route.

“The Whitehead Tour de Gwent was an awesome days riding. The volunteers were amazing and reminded us how valuable they are for such a great event to take place. The route was difficult at times, but with such amazing scenery it took our minds off the pain in the legs.

“Alex and I were brought together by our military service and adversity which made us qualifies for The Invictus Games. This day together cemented our friendship whilst using sport for our recovery. Additionally all the riders were fantastic and everyone was so friendly on the road.

“Huge thank you to St David’s Hospice for organising such a great event and Whitehead Building Services for sponsoring this mega event. The nice mix of distances made it possible for all levels and that is the key factor, as it means ‘cycling for all’.

“The Whitehead Tour de Gwent 2020 is in my diary for next year.”

Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care who organised the Whitehead Tour de Gwent, said: “Dot is a real hero and we were honoured that he not only agreed to start the Whitehead Tour de Gwent but also took part in the event along with Alex.”

The Whitehead Tour de Gwent 2019 routes included the gruelling platinum (93 miles), gold (78 miles), silver (52 miles), bronze (30 miles), midi (20 miles) and kids (three miles).