Bridgwater soldier sharpens skiing skills (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater soldier sharpens skiing skills

5:46pm Wednesday 17th February 2010 in News By James Beal

HE’S more used to the tough terrains of Afghanistan – but Bridgwater’s Michael Stevens has become an expert skier on French slopes thanks to the Army.

Rifleman Stevens, serving with 1st Battalion The Rifles, has been stretching himself to the limit during the Army’s divisional Nordic ski championships in France.

The 19-year-old former Chilton Trinity Technology College pupil was among more than 180 soldiers competing in the Exercise Spartan Hike at the ski resort of Serre Chevalier.

During the ten-day competition he took part in some of the toughest cross-country races using his skills in skiing and sharp shooting.

Michael told the Mercury: “Training was hard at the start, all we seemed to do was keep falling over and breaking skis and poles, but it was a good laugh. But we got a lot better and won at the infantry championships.

“This was a welcome break from operations, we had a hard tour in Afghanistan last year - it was scary - I went straight from training out to Helmand, I was a bit nervous, but this was a great opportunity to get away from it.”

Michael finished in 28th place in the novice ratings, after the exhausting competition.