Mike Jones could have been just another bored young lad with nothing to do in the Afan Valley. Thankfully mountain biking came knocking and the rest is history.

It isn’t easy growing up in the Abercregan.  Yes, it my seem like a mountain bike paradise to those of us that drive over on a weekend, but growing up there, there’s not much to do and even less money to do it with.

Starting out on a Kona hardtail, Mike instantly had a talent for riding and it wasn’t long before he started racing. First at the FoD mini downhills then later onto nationals and the world stage.

It wasn’t easy though and Mike’s parents had to make big sacrifices to make it happen, with both working to support his dream.

Here’s the first part of a three part video series from Nukeproof that charts Mike’s journey from valley kid to Sam Hill’s downhill protege. Mike’s currently out injured but you can expect him back and charging again in Andorra. In this episode we find out how he discovered mountain biking and got his first shot at racing.

Nukeproof said: “A natural talent on two wheels, the right attitude, a supportive family and Afan Valley is on your doorstep- the making of Mike Jones.

Episode 1 looks at Mikes rise from the Afan valley. With Huge support from his family and through to bike shop deals and that awesome move to become part of FMD team with the Seagrave family. After that the dream move to the Chain reaction Cycles roof team with his hero and now friend Sam Hill and team manager Nigel Page.”