Ever since we moved to North Wales when I was 9 years old I have enjoyed the outdoor life. I learned to play golf and joined the Scouts, which introduced me to the joys of climbing, hiking, orienteering, kayaking, mountain biking, camping and rugby.

I remember in Scouts the first real challenge I ever did was a two-day orienteering competition, I was the youngest in our group but absolutely loved it. In my second year the team I was in came 2nd and then in my third year I was team captain and we won!

I first went skiing with a school trip in high school – after one week I was totally hooked – and the sport has become a mainstay in my life!

After graduating from St David’s College, Llandudno, North Wales with a love and respect for outdoor pursuits, along with A Levels and CAD qualifications I took a GAP year in 1999 and went on a program called Ski-Le-Gap – a 3 month course in Mont Tremblant, Canada where I gained qualifications as a ski instructor.

During my first season in Beaver Creek, Colorado I worked for the race department running the Birds Of Prey World Cup race – this was the best job I had ever had and have returned every year since. Other summer jobs have included crewing on a yacht in Hawaii, building boats in Brisbane, a cabinet maker in Vermont and working in a ski resort in New Zealand.

At home in the UK I owned my own property development business - to date I have renovated 5 houses and built a barn – I enjoy learning new skills and the satisfaction of making something!

2010 has been an exciting year! From January through to April I worked for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler. I was the guy sporting the Great Britain wooly hat and carrying a heavy backpack full of blue dye – yes I was responsible for the blue lines on the downhill course Creekside, Whistler!! Awesome!!

The best part was being able to watch Lauren Woolstencroft, a paralympic skier, win gold in all 5 of her events right from the finish line. She is an amazing skier! The paralympic athletes in particular were incredible - one of my chosen charities, DSUK, aims to provide opportunities for people with disabilities of all types to enjoy snow sports.

While living in Canada I was able to participate in several mountain bike races (including the BC Bike Race) and enjoy some kite surfing when the skiing finished. Then I started training for my world record attempt! What an incredible experience that was!

I am back in training now for the Tour D’Afrique – and in November you will find me in Beaver Creek preparing for the Downhill World Championship in December! The challenge will be keeping up with my training on the slopes!!