British Veteran Ryding Predicts Wide Open Alpine Skiing Slalom
British slalom skier Dave Ryding is gearing up for the upcoming Olympic race in Bormio, Italy. At 39 years old, he is set to compete in his fifth and final Olympic Games. Ryding has achieved significant success, including a historic victory at Kitzbuehel in 2022, making him Britain’s most successful World Cup ski racer.
Expectations for a Wide Open Alpine Skiing Slalom
Ryding anticipates that the Olympic slalom event, scheduled for Monday, will be highly competitive and unpredictable. He believes the conditions of the “mellow” slope will bring unexpected performances from various racers. “It’s going to be so open on Monday,” he stated. “You’ll see some names that you might not expect to be in contention. Hopefully, I’ll be one of them.”
The Terrain and Course Conditions
The slalom course in Bormio differs from traditional tracks used in World Cup events. It features a relatively flat section, which Ryding hopes will lead to an exciting race. He commented on the course used in the recent team combined event, noting that it appeared fairly easy. He speculated that the gate-setters would adjust for the Olympic event, stating, “I think it won’t be quite like that.”
- Ryding made his Olympic debut at the Vancouver Games in 2010.
- His best individual result was a ninth-place finish in Pyeongchang in 2018.
- The only British Alpine skier to medal in the Olympics is Alain Baxter, who finished third in Salt Lake City.
Despite the straightforward nature of the course, Ryding acknowledges that younger competitors might have an advantage with their agility. He emphasized the importance of speed, saying, “Maybe experience won’t count as much on a piste like this.” As the race draws closer, Ryding’s confidence grows, and he remains hopeful for a memorable final Olympic appearance.
