Dave Ryding: The PlanetSKI Interview

26th January 2024 | Jane Peel, Schladming

Last modified on January 30th, 2024

GB’s greatest alpine ski racer has been speaking exclusively to PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel about the season so far and the potentially bright future for the GB alpine team.

He has seven World Cup podiums, including one this season, and that famous Kitzbuehel victory in 2022.

Dave ‘The Rocket’ Ryding has had a very busy week.

Last Sunday, he raced in Kitzbuehel where he finished 5th and fellow Brits Billy Major and Laurie Taylor impressed with personal bests of 13th and 19th respectively.

Three Brits in the Top 20:

GB Slalom Racers Dazzle at Kitzbuehel

Just three days later he was back on the racetrack for the spectacular Schladming Night Slalom, which I had the privilege to experience for the first time.

PlanetSKI at Schladming Night Slalom as Ryding Comes 14th

We met the morning after the Night Slalom at Dave’s hotel.

He was saying goodbye to his wife Mandy and their daughter Nina, who were flying home to the UK.

Dave Ryding with wife Mandy and daughter Nina in Schladming Jan 2024. Image © PlanetSKI

Dave Ryding with wife Mandy and daughter Nina in Schladming. Image © PlanetSKI

And Dave was about to leave for Flachau for some boot adjustments before heading back to his Austrian training base of Gurgl.

But, despite a busy and exhausting schedule, he found time to talk to PlanetSKI.

Our wide-ranging interview covers:

Dave’s verdict on his performance at Schladming and his season so far
What it’s like to be on tour with the family
The loss of UK Sport funding and its impact
The rising stars of GB alpine, from his World Cup teammates to the kids coming through
His immediate and long-term future

It’s well worth a watch.

Here it is in full:

Thanks, Dave, for being such a gent.

As you know, we’re superfans here at PlanetSKI.

We’ve even got the Official Dave Ryding Fan Club beanie.

And very warm and comfortable it is.