Hear from Dave ‘The Rocket’ Ryding about his World Cup podium in Adelboden over the weekend.

How does it feel to have reached the World Cup podium at this point in the season?

I am very happy to bounce back from an up and down start to the season. I knew once conditions started to suit me more I would be able to show exactly what I am capable of doing. Adelboden has not always been one of my best hunting grounds in the past but I always believe I am capable to be competitive in any race.

What do you think made this result possible?

This result comes after a lot of hard work not just from my coaching team but from the whole of GB Snowsport. They were amazing at getting me back out training in Europe as soon as safe to do so in the summer and I was able to have a seamless build up to the season. We obviously have to live in a very strict bubble now and I miss not being able to come home to see family and my partner Mandy since early November however I am very grateful to be able to continue racing through this tough time.

Crucial question, where are you going to keep your winning cow bell?

Errrm.. I’ m not sure yet.. we will either use it for last coffee orders in the cafe or between me and Mandy in bed, well for 1 or 2 nights then somewhere in the living room.

Plenty of your fans have said that this result has cheered them during difficult times January, how does that make you feel?

I appreciate many people in the UK are having hard times at the moment and the situation is affecting us all deeply. I hope my result puts a smile on UK faces and gives everyone a timely boost of energy and moral.

The Alpine Men’s Team have named themselves The Queen’s Men – can you tell us what you mean by that?

You will have to ask the younger lads.. I think this is their doing!

What’s next for the you and the Queen’s men?

I will look to focus on my skiing for the next upcoming Slalom races this weekend in Flachau so I best rest the body up and prepare for that rather than think about the result. But I’m looking forward to getting back out there and continuing to build momentum, especially after the last result. It is a very tightly contested sport at the moment so I have to ski well before I think about more podiums.

What’re you most looking forward to about the rest of the season?

Just to show some good skiing in the races like in Adelboden, but also to race with the younger GB Snowsport guys again! It is great to have some teammates around as it really picks the mood up. We are a close team so surrounding yourself with team mates like that really helps. Also, I am also looking forward to skiing great too.

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