Louis Hatchwell is setting his sights on becoming the first British man to stand on a World Cup podium in Telemark skiing.

The captain of the British Telemark team, Hatchwell, 22, this week returned from the first races of the World Cup season in Hintertux, Austria.

His first skiing experience came on a family holiday in France, and he has never looked back. To date, his best finish was 22nd in the 2013 Norwegian World Cup and 14th in the Junior World Championships in the Sprint event the same year.

Ranked third in the UK, he has been competing in Europe and north America since his first World Cup two seasons ago, only three years since his first race.

Hatchwell said: "Telemark is like no other sport. It's the original form of skiing and has come a long way. Exciting times lie ahead.

"The sport will feature this year at the Youth Olympic Games but we are pushing for the Winter Olympics too."

The first male full-time British competitor, Hatchwell lists SCOTT Sports, VOLA Racing, Scarpa, Rottefella and Snow Finel as his sponsors in a sport which differs from traditional skiing as competitors are free from the heel.

"Telemark is like a family," said Hatchwell. "Everyone wants to be there for the love of the sport and we are all ambassadors.

"It's nice to be part of something at the early stages for the British team.

"I smile when I'm skiing well, I know it's a bit odd, I ski best when I feel very relaxed, it's all about being fluid."

Asked about his aims, Hatchwell, who lives in Swiss Cottage, said: "I'm hoping to be in the top 25 this season and would like to be in the top 10 consistently in the next three years, but it's important to be realistic."