Team GB Excels in First Slalom Race of the Season
16th November 2025
Last modified on November 18th, 2025
The race in Levi Finland saw two British racers make the Top Ten, with Laurie Taylor just missing the podium as he finished fourth. It was the first chance to see our GB alpine ski racers in action in this Olympic season after a summer of training. UPDATED
After the first run Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor had made it through to a second run – all were in the Top Twenty.
Billy Major was 19th and Laurie Taylor 15th.
Dave Ryding was just outside the Top Ten, in joint 11th place.
After the second runs ended Laurie Taylor was just off the podium finishing in fourth place having put in the greatest run of his career as he charged up the leaderboard.
His previous best World Cup finish was 8th in Aspen, USA, in March 2024.
His achievement has been reported by the BBC
“I’ve been working so hard for so long, so to break in like that to 4th, it really means the world,” said Laurie after the race.
“It felt amazing, I had no idea that was where I was going to end up,” Laurie told BBC Sport.
“The run felt solid and in charge. I just kept climbing [in the standings] it was quite surreal. It’s a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season.”
Dave Ryding finished in 7th place.
Two British racers in the Top Ten is a huge achievement.
Final results from Men’s World Cup in Levi, Finland. Image c/o FIS.
Billy Major came 27th – three GB racers in the Top Thirty.
GB men’s slalom coach Jai Geyer said: “What a day.
“That’s the best start to the season we’ve had as a team, with something we’ve never done before here – two in the top seven – so we’re all pumped, great for the team.
“What a solid start.”
It was the debut World Cup race for 20-year old Luca Carrick-Smith and though he posted a DNF as he failed to complete the first run it was an achievement simply to have made the start gate.
He was racing against the best in the world at the very highest level, and will have gained valuable experience.
“A valuable learning experience for Luca on a challenging first run, and plenty to take forward,” said GB Snowsport.
We previewed Luca’s debut here:
It was the first time that GB has fielded a team of four on the start list.
“A historic moment and an exciting step forward for British alpine skiing,” said GB Snowsport.
On Saturday in the women’s race the US superstar Mikaela Shiffrin took top spot.
She claimed her 102nd World Cup victory, 65th slalom win and ninth victory at Levi.
GB’s Victoria Palla came 61st.
The slalom skiers now move on to Gurgl in Austria for the second race of the season this coming weekend.
PlanetSKI was slopeside last year in Gurgl and we spoke to Dave after his 7th place:
James Cove & Dave Ryding. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Gurgl World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI
Gurgl World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI
GB Athletes Competing This Week
Alpine Ski
Slalom World Cup – Gurgl – 22-23 November:
- Billy Major
- Dave Ryding
- Laurie Taylor
- Victoria Palla
Freeski
Slopestyle World Cup – Stubai – 21-22 November
- Chris McCormick
- Tom Greenway
- Caoimhe Heavey
- Ash Clayton (On reserve list, pending final entries)
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics take place from 6th to 22nd February 2026, with the Paralympics from 6th to 15th March.
Related Articles:
- GB alpine squads announced
- Congratulations to Zak Carrick-Smith
- New measures for ski racer safety
- USA begins gender testing for 2026 Winter Olympics
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
