Fact file:

Name: Mark Sandamas

Job: Managing director at Pennine Events

Born: London

Lives: Pendle, South Pennines

Education: Liverpool John Moores - sports science

Family: Married to Jilly with three daughters

Managing director at Pennine Events Mark Sandamas

Working with many different sporting events across the UK and Europe, no two working days are ever the same although they’re often action packed.

I’m normally working across a number of different events – at the moment that includes the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride and Coast to Coast Packhorse, which provides package holidays and support services for people walking or cycling from St Bees Head on the west coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast.

Generally, I am something of an early riser and start my day at around 5.30am. I tend to fit in some exercise before heading to the office, whether it is a swim, run or a cycle.

Mark in the Liverpool Chester Bike Ride

As well as working with various sporting events I am also a keen participator. At the moment, I am in training for a 2,000km Race around Ireland which will take place at the end of August and so I am fitting this in around my working day.

Sport is a real passion of mine and it is a dream to be working with the events that I help to organise.

In the past, I have cycled from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, which is a 1,000-mile trip, taken part in the Tour of Flanders and Liege-Bastogne- Liege sportives and recently did the London Marathon in a time of 2hr 46min.

Mark taking part in Le Petit Grand Depart - Kidstones June 2014

Setting physical goals and working towards them is something I really get a thrill from!

My day is generally filled with a number of different meetings and lots of organisation and at the moment, the focus is on the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, which takes place on July 3.

The event is organised by myself and a team of seven and it is great to work with people that are so passionate about delivering the event.

In the run up to the bike ride, which takes in six routes and four distances that span from Liverpool to Chester and back again, we spend lots of time liaising with local authorities along the route and Mersey Travel, who kindly close the Birkenhead tunnel for the day so that it is traffic free for the cyclists.

Mark with Natasha Hamilton at the Liverpool Chester Liverpool start line

We also work very closely with the Countess of Chester Health Park, where the Chester routes start from. There is always a real festival atmosphere at the park on the day of the event.

As well as working closely with the different organisations that help us to make the event happen, between myself and the team, we process entries to the ride, send out the entrant information and help to deal with any queries.

This can include providing information about the logistics of the day, hints and tips for training and reaching whichever milestone the participant has set for the event.

We offer as much support as possible to the people that make our event such a fun occasion.

Mark (centre) with Bradley Wiggins and Steven Burke, Olympic and World Gold Medallist in the Team Pursuit

Once my working day is done, normally around 6pm, I head home and spend time catching up with my wife and my daughters. My children are spread across the country at the moment either at university or working so it is nice to speak with them after a busy day.

Mark with his daughters Leah and Natasha and wife Jilly

I try and switch off and watch some TV or read a good book – I have just finished A Brief History of Seven Killings which was gripping. As well as unwinding at home, I also love to get out and catch up with friends.

What do you wear to do your job? My work-wear is generally quite casual.

What is the favourite part of your job? With events like the bike ride, there is a real festival atmosphere and so much planning goes into the event, one of the best parts of my job is seeing it come to life.

Whichever route you participate in the atmosphere is always amazing. This year, I’m taking part in the 50-mile Chester Challenge.

What is the least favourite part of your job? Sometimes I can find the admin element dull!

What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now? Being such a fan of sports and physical activity being so close to them in my working life is an absolute dream.

How do you relax when you are not working? I like to socialise with friends or go for a run.

What is your favourite film? I was blown away by The Revenant when I went to see it recently.

What is your favourite book? I am currently really enjoying A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.

What is your favourite song? I’m a big Bruce Springsteen fan so anything by him.

If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? Ricky Gervais as David Brent.

Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? I hope not!

For details about the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, visit www.liverpool chesterliverpool.com.

We want to hear from people from all walks of life – to take part, email jo.henwood@trinitymirror.com or fill out the form below

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