A RUGBY-mad Powys man is cycling from France to Italy to help raise money in the battle against Motor Neuron Disease.

Wynford Mills, from Builth Wells, is part of a five-man team that started off from Calais in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, March 5). They will now cycle the 1,200 miles to Rome, arriving in time for Saturday’s Italy v France Six Nations encounter.

The group are riding for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – set up by Scotland and British & Irish Lions legend Doddie Weir, who suffered with and died of the cruel disease in 2022.

Wynford’s other team members are from Llandeilo, riding as Team Llandelwedd. They are the only Welsh team among the 17 believed to be taking part, with others from Scotland and England.

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“We’ll be covering about 1,200 miles, riding around the clock, all the way to Rome,” said Wynford, 61.

“There’s 17 teams competing and I believe we’re the only one from Wales.”

Wynford left Builth for France on Tuesday, together with a band of merry men who will be acting as his support crew; friends Brian ‘Sarge’ Pratt, Ian ‘Yunny’ Ryland and John ‘Nipper’ Stafford.

They were due to cross into Calais at midnight last night (Tuesday), with all roads now leading to Rome.

The team will ride in a relay style, finishing at the Stadio Olimpico, ahead of the Scotland v Italy Six Nations clash on Saturday (2.15pm kick-off BST).

Doddie Weir was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities, with the giant lock forward earning 61 caps for Scotland during a successful playing career.

County Times: Scotland legend Doddie Weir died of MND in November 2022. Scotland legend Doddie Weir died of MND in November 2022. (Image: PA)

He also represented the British & Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, and won championships with his two club sides, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons.

Despite a lifetime spent battling opponents on the field, Doddie’s biggest fight came in June 2017 when he revealed he was suffering from MND.

In November of 2017, he launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Their mission a simple one: a world free of MND. Doddie died in November 2022, aged just 52.

“I’ll be riding in my full Doddie gear, so that means wearing a tartan kilt,” added Wynford. “There are four other riders with me, from Llandeilo.”

County Times: Wynford Mills before he set off from Builth on Monday. Wynford Mills before he set off from Builth on Monday. (Image: Wynford Mills)

The team is completed by Alun Davies, John Davies, Lee Williams and Mark Davies.

Wynford was convinced to join the team after the idea grew from last year’s ‘Builth Potato Day’, a local potato growing competition held at Builth Rugby Club that has increased in popularity in recent years.

Wynford, a former Builth player himself, added: “Rob Hobbs suffers with MND and he also played for Builth, so there’s a very local connection.

“After the tunnel crossing we’ll be straight on the bikes. Hopefully, we’ll be arriving in Italy at around 8pm on Friday evening.

“I’m looking forward to it and I think we’ll have a lot of fun. People have been fantastic donating; I can’t thank them enough.”

The team have raised £3,885 so far and you can add to the pot by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/team/teamllandeilo.