Dave Ryding has concluded his 2016-17 ski season on the World cup slalom circuit finishing in 8th position in the world rankings - believed to be the best ever result for a Brit in World Cup skiing.
Although there were remarkable season highlights, particularly the second place at Kitzbuhel in January which equalled the best ever British World cup performance, some 30 years earlier, it was Dave Ryding's season long consistency, with repeated top 20 and often top 10 performances, that is arguably the greatest achievement.
"It's a long road from Levi to Aspen. 11 events done and to finish the World Cup standings in 8th is pretty damn special for me," Ryding commented after finishing 8th in the last race of the season at the World Cup Finals in aspen on Sunday.
Ryding pasted the second fastest descent of all racers on the day to move up from 19th place after his first run. Last season it had been touch and go whether he would make the Finals, and he ended the season in 22nd position.
"Thanks for all the support, thanks to the team and all sponsors, it's been a blast... onto the next one," Ryding added after the Aspen race.
Ryding, aged 30, first learned to ski aged 12 on dry slopes in Lancashire.