Paralympic champion Mark Colbourne MBE has secured his spot as lead cyclist in this year’s Dalmatian Bike Ride.

Mark, aged 45, of Tredegar, will start and be at the head of the popular event which raises thousands of pounds for St David’s Hospice Care.

Mark is also supporting the event, now in its fourth year, by providing sponsorship through his business, Global Cycling Camps.Com

The champion cyclist, who after breaking his back in a paragliding accident in the Gower in 2009, said: “I have now retired from international competition but want to keep involved in the sport that helped so much in my rehabilitation after my accident.

“Cycling is hugely popular, it’s being called the new golf. It’s a sport that most people can take up and enjoy. The Dalmatian Bike Ride is a brilliant event which can encourage cyclists at all levels to get on their bike, have a great time in the gorgeous South Wales countryside and also raise funds for St David’s Hospice Care along the way.

“I have received tremendous care and support from some wonderful people over recent years and I am now keen to do all I can to give something back. So when I was approached by St David's Hospice Care, I was more than happy to offer my help and support.”

Tania Ansell, of St David's Hospice Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to get Mark to not only support the Dalmatian Bike Ride through sponsorship but also to agree to start and to take part in the event.”

Mark underwent six months of gruelling physiotherapy just to learn to walk again after he was left with a broken back and lower leg paralysis after his paragliding canopy collapsed in 2009 and he fell to the ground from around 40ft. Before his accident Mark had represented Wales at volleyball.

Mark became one of the cycling stars of the London 2012 Paralympics after scooping three medals for Paralympics GB, a gold and two silvers.

The fourth Dalmatian Bike Ride is being staged on Saturday June 6 over a new course around Newport, the wetlands, and Caerleon. For more information, to sign up or sponsor the event contact visit www.dalmatianbikeride.com or call Tania Ansell on 01633 851045.