Dave Ryding Begins 18/19 World Cup Campaign on Sunday
Dave Ryding Begins 18/19 World Cup Campaign on Sunday
Published : 16-Nov-2018 03:17
Olympians Dave Ryding and Laurie Taylor will open their 2018/19 campaigns in Finland on Sunday when the first World Cup slalom race of the season takes place in Levi, Finland.
Last year's season-opener was a mixed one for three-time Olympian Ryding who led the field through the first run and was on track for his second career podium before skiing out midway through the second run.
Levi had previously proved something of a happy hunting ground for Ryding who scored a sixth-place finish in 2016 and has two Europa Cup top tens to his credit at the venue.
The 31-year-old, who recorded two top 10 results at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, is confident of putting in a good performance on the back of a strong pre-season.
"There is a bit of unfinished business, but I try not to dwell on it too much. Last year is done and you've got to move on, but we're in a pretty solid place right now," said Ryding.
"It's the first race of the season so you don't know where everyone else is at, but I've had a good preparation – no massive differences to what we've done in the past but I feel better in the body which is good."
For the first time in a long time Ryding has had a teammate alongside him throughout the off-season with Taylor gearing up for his first full World Cup campaign. Having made the flip into the top 30 on his Olympic debut in February, the 22-year-old is on the verge of taking his next big step in the sport and has been a positive influence in the British camp.
"I've been doing it on my own for the last seven years, so I didn't know what it was going to be like having Laurie around, whether it would effect the way we do things but it's been the opposite – I'm grateful he's here with me now," said Ryding. "He's a good guy, he does what he needs to do and has the right focus."
The FIS Alpine World Cup men's slalom from Levi will be broadcast on Eurosport UK and Eurosport Player on Sunday at 9am (first run) and 12pm (second run).
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