AN “EXTREME” Welsh explorer is set to take on some of Snowdonia’s toughest mountains as he cycles across Wales.

Richard Parks, pictured, a former Welsh international turned endurance athlete, gets on his bike for a cross-country event like no other in ‘Extreme Wales’ – a tough, two-wheeled trek from east to west, taking in Cader Idris.

Following his forced retirement from rugby, Richard has made history twice with two incredible feats of endurance; a world first expedition called the 737 Challenge, where in July 2011 he became the first ever person to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s seven continents and stand on all three poles (the North Pole, the South Pole and the summit of Everest) within seven months.

In January 2014 he became the first Welshman, and the fastest ever Brit to ski solo, unsupported and unassisted to the South Pole.

In his latest three-day challenge, Richard and his bike head through the heart of the Welsh wilderness, from Knighton, near Offa’s Dyke, to the coast at Barmouth, encountering steep climbs, grassy descents and deep rivers.

Richard’s route is expertly mapped out by champion mountain biker John Lloyd.

But will his pedal power and perseverance be enough to steer him up the steep sides of his final challenge – Cader Idris?

Find out on Wednesday, 20 September, at 7.30pm on BBC One Wales.