YELVERTON Territorial Army soldier, Corporal Iain 'Bertie' Bassett, took a break from his job as a train driver with First Great Western Railway to stretch himself to the limit during the Army's UK divisional Nordic ski championships in France recently. Iain, 39, of 165 Port Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers), was taking part in Exercise Spartan Hike in the ski resort of Serre Chevalier. His team won the prestigious Chief Nordic's Gold Medal Award for their overall attitude and sportsmanship throughout the competition. During the ten day competition Iain competed against more than 30 other teams in some of the toughest cross-country skiing races using his skills as both a skier and a rifle marksman. These included the 15 km Classic Nordic cross country race, a Biathlon, a 4 x 10 km relay, and the 20 km military patrol race which tests the soldiers' skiing abilities, teamwork skills and mental strength. The patrol race was the blue riband event. Iain and three members of 165 Port Regt (V) team, carried 40 kgs of kit between them over the 20 km course, during which they completed mental agility tests and had to shoot at a target with a .22 Anschutz rifle. They were also judged on their turn-out and having the correct supplies, such as maps, field dressings and compasses. It is the third time Iain has competed in the competition. 'It is fantastic, I love it and it's very rewarding although it's very hard work,' he said. 'As a family we have done downhill skiing and snowboarding and I just love being on the snow. When one of my colleagues asked me if I wanted to ski I didn't realise it was cross-country and said "Yes". 'If I had known the things I could have done in the Army 20 years ago I probably would have joined up as a regular. It's incredible to come to a place like this, do this sport and get paid for it— heaven! 'My job as a train driver fits in very well with being in the TA and they are very supportive and understanding.' Iain, who joined the Territorial Army eleven years ago, took part in the second Gulf War and has used his railway skills at ammunition depots around the country. He has been a train driver for 12 years and lives in Yelverton with wife Julia and children, Jemma, Oliver and Tilly.
