Swindon soldier hones ski skills (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Swindon soldier hones ski skills

9:34am Monday 21st January 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

A Swindon soldier has been honing his skiing skills in the breathtaking scenery of the French Alps.

Sapper Christian Massam, 24, who has been practising Nordic (cross-country) skiing for a few weeks is now taking part in Exercise Pipedown, the Championships for British soldiers based in Germany. It is held in the French ski resort of Les Contamines Montjoie near Mont Blanc.

Nordic skiing, often coupled with shooting as a Biathlon event is one of the popular disciplines for military people, and is widely regarded as one of the most arduous and physically demanding sports.

"I did just two days on an indoor slope before coming, I like the thought of something new and adventurous," said Christian, whose parents Eric and Lesley Massam, now live in Trowbridge.

In his first attempt Christian came 33rd out of 73 in the 10 kilometre menís biathlon sprint helping his team to tenth place out of fourteen.

Christian is a former pupil of Herod Parkway School, Swindon and he grew up in the town.

He serves with 21 Engineer Regiment, which is based at Osnabruck in North West, Germany.

Since joining the Army he has also visited Cyprus and Belize. Before he joined he was a bench joiner.

Off duty Christian also enjoys football and rugby.

This is the 14th year that German-based troops have held their Championships at Les Contamines. This year there are 200 competitors providing 35 teams.

The championships offer the opportunity for novices and experts alike to ski under international rules.