David Ryding started the defence of his Europa Cup crown in Trysil, Norway at the weekend with a 28th place result. These are new experiences for Ryding and being number 1 in the race, number 1 in the Europa Cup series last season, took its toll on the racer from Pendle. ... While he was a shadow of what he can produce, Ryding will have learnt from the event and will come back stronger and faster as the winter progresses. These are new experiences for him. Talking after the race his coach, Tristan Glasse-Davis felt that Ryding skied too safe and "at this level if you do not attack, you get beaten."
With many World Cup Slalom racers in the field, there were no Slalom races scheduled for North America this year, this was a strong field and Ryding drew number 1 in the race. Maybe the pressure and desire to do well got the better of him but one race does not make a season. There are lots more races in the Europa Cup tour and of course the World Cup as well. Having faith in himself is vital.
Also in the race was Nick Moynihan. Moynihan made his Europa Cup debut in the Giant Slalom on the first day and speaking after he had also endured a torrid time from the back of the field in the Slalom, he too took lots of experience away with him. "I did not really get it together," he explained as he waited to get his flight back to the UK after the race.
World Cup Swedish racer Axel Baeck took the win in the Slalom ahead of Matthias Hargin with Sebastien-Voss Solevaag in third. Daniel Yule took fifth just behind Markus Larssen. Henrik Kristofferson won the Giant Slalom
Europa Cup GS result
Europa Cup Slalom result