Dave Ryding criticises lack of alpine ski funding

Great Britain slalom skier Dave Ryding has bemoaned UK Sport's decision to axe funding for alpine events.

The 27-year-old is reported to rely on a few modest private sponsors and doesn't have a professional serviceman to produce race-tuned skis, meaning that he has to do it all himself.

It's very difficult," Ryding, who starts 34th in Sochi, told BBC Sport. "You've just got to keep working at it and try to improve.

"There are so many variables, you have to see what conditions are like and try to adapt to them as best you can and be smart.

"Hopefully, I can put down my best run to get into the top 30 and from there charge as hard as I can and see where I end up."

In today's event, 117 competitors from 62 countries are expected to take part.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte