It came as no surprise when Dave Ryding secured a record eighth Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championship title on Friday, but that’s not to say the Slalom star was content with his performance on the piste.

The 30-year-old made history earlier this season by becoming the first British Alpine skier to seal a World Cup podium place in 35 years, thanks to his silver medal-winning display in Kitzbuehel back in January.

Coming into this week’s Championships in Tignes, the Chorley man was the one everyone wanted to watch in action – and he didn’t disappoint.

Competing in the UVEX British National Championships Slalom, a combined run time of 1:26.70 saw Ryding climb atop the podium ahead of Laurie Taylor and Billy Major.

But it wasn’t enough to replicate the feat in the international competition, finishing in third behind a French one-two – a result Ryding soon came to rue.

“I’m very happy to win the British Championships, but not so happy with my skiing,” he said.

“I was probably a bit nervous to be honest, and that’s full respect to the younger guys because they are getting better and better.

“I’ve got more of a challenge on my hands these days, and I know if I ski like that next year, I won’t win.

“I need to try and enjoy it more rather than worrying about it. I knew that I had seven British titles and no one had ever got eight, so it’s good to get that ticked off and now I can let someone else go for it now.

“It shows that the British Championships mean a lot to me. I really like winning this one and it tops off a good season.

“Obviously I would have liked to have won overall, but I couldn’t top the French today but next season I’ll try and have them.”

With his racing now over for the season, there’s no rest for the wicked as Ryding turns his attentions to summer training.

Always looking for more, Ryding insists he still has plenty to give, but it’s his self-belief he admits needs the most work.

“Maybe getting beaten in the last race of the season was a good omen, and I think it will make me work harder, not that I need that push,” he said.

“I just have to learn again, and maybe start to believe in myself a bit more. I want to get better, and go into next season fitter, healthier and hopefully skiing better than I was this season.

“I put too much pressure on myself when I am approaching races. It makes me a bit more nervous.

“But that just shows that I want to win. Everyone has ups and downs, so I just need to get better and then start believing in myself.

“Next season is all about improving, I have no plans to start going backwards. The summer is the most important part of that, and we’ll see where I’m at come November.”

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