‘Never stop believing’ – Dave Ryding savours moment after clinching World Cup podium in Kitzbuhel

British veteran Dave Ryding says he was close to giving up hope of getting back to the top before clinching a superb podium in Kitzbuhel.

It marked his first podium of the 2023 season and his sixth overall, a year after clinching his only career World Cup triumph at the same venue.

“I’ve been searching for a run like that all year. Never in the top 10 and I was close to stopping believing, but I proved to myself to never stop believing and just do as well as you can,” Ryding said.

“I got a good feeling straight away from the skis, the material was working. I just went for it.”

Ryding isn’t the only veteran skier on the World Cup circuit and is something of a youngster compared to 42-year-old Johan Clarey.

The Frenchman took silver in Kitzbuhel a day earlier in the downhill to ensure it was a memorable weekend for the old boys.

“I think I’m like Johan Clarey, just getting better with age maybe,” Ryding said.

“I guess you just need some experience, he was good again yesterday and I was good today.”

Will we see Ryding flying down the slopes aged 42 then?

“No chance, I don’t know what he’s thinking! No, ‘chapeau’ I say to Johan, he really is something special,” Ryding said.

“It’s been harder with age, you’ve got to keep dancing, it’s fast twitch, it’s tough. But I’m always behind Yule though, you know!”

Next up on the World Cup circuit is a night race in Schladming in two days’ time.

“Let’s see, I need to get the old body recovered, see how I sleep tonight, probably about one hour, I’m too excited,” Ryding said.

“I’ll see what Schladming brings on the night, but I have to savour this – they won’t come forever.”

– – –