Iain Martin, presenter of The Ski Podcast, speaks to the greatest British skier of all time .

Hi Dave. Let’s start with your finest moment! In 2022 at Kitzbühel, you won the Slalom to become the oldest winner of a World Cup race. You were also the first British skier to win a gold medal in the 55-year history of the Alpine World Cup…  

Yeah, I was 35 and became the oldest winner ever of any race in any discipline. The fact is that I’m very good in Kitzbühel now. I’ve learned it over the years. I know how to deal with all the terrain. It’s always icy there and that suits me. I’m good when the conditions are difficult.  

While the younger guys on the World Cup circuit are probably in more of a peak physical condition than I am, I’m still very fit and as strong as I’ve ever been. I’m able to draw on my experience: how to use the terrain; where to let the skis run; where you have to hold back. 

You’re known for charging hard on the second run 

My first podium in Kitzbühel came after I won the first run, but I definitely free up a bit when I’m not in the top eight. I seem to ski more freely when there’s a bit less pressure and I enjoy having a real go at those second runs. 

How long do the racers get between runs? What do you do in that time? 

On a normal race day, the first run will be around 10am and the second three hours later. 
 

Because I start in the first 15, I’m normally at the bottom by about 10:20am. I might have to do some media interviews, then I’ll get back to the team hospitality area and do some recovery, maybe a spin on the bike or a short walk.  

Race day is very long. It’s normally a seven-hour day and you’re burning so many calories because of inspection stress, the warm-up before the first run, and the racing itself. It’s really important to keep the calories coming in. I make sure I get some food in me before the inspection for the second run around midday, so I’ll eat lunch around 11am. Not too much, just something simple like plain pasta. 

What’s it like when you’re winning a race at the end of your run, but you still have to wait for the final skiers to come down?  

It’s out of your control. It’s nerve wracking but you’ve just got to sit and wait. You know all of your competitors – you’ve been skiing against them for a long time – but on race day it’s every man for himself. I’m certainly not rooting for them to beat me! 

At the Schladming night race last January, it was raining heavily. How do you race in those conditions?  

It was rather moist, to say the least! I had to get out the umbrella for the second inspection because it was torrential at the time. Luckily, they had a good surface beforehand, so the piste held up. The problem is not so much the rain, but the reflection of the floodlights, which makes getting good vision tough. 

You and fellow GB athletes Billy (Major) and Laurie (Taylor) had a great season as a team last year. It feels like you’re constantly helping each other to push on…

Exactly. We’re on the hill together every single day pushing each other. It’s that competitive spirit and competitive drive that we all have to improve. I’ve seen their progression in the last three years and they’re absolutely amazing skiers with a great future ahead.  

It didn’t surprise me when we managed three in the top 20 at Kitzbühel. Only Austria had more in the top 20 than us, with four. I think that puts into perspective how hard it is.  

In your career, funding has gone both up and down. Are you getting enough support now? 

It’s always on the mind. Last year it definitely had an effect on my season, just the stress of it. It’s been a constant that I’ve had to deal with my whole career, but as long as I know what I’ve got, I can perform and keep my mind calm.  

Skiing isn’t a sport like cycling. You can’t predict results as easily and that’s what UK Sport don’t like. Pedalling around the track with a special skin suit is going to make you faster than other nations and, hey presto, you get a medal. But skiing is different and we definitely get treated harder than other sports, but it’s something we’ve got to deal with. 

What are your thoughts for the future of British ski racing?  

I will never stay the most successful British skier. I’ll guarantee you that. I will always be the first one to get the World Cup win, but the next generation are ridiculously good.  

There’s a whole group of them coming through, but we need to find a way to give them the support that they need to keep them on that pathway. 

The Ski Podcast is an award-winning podcast with over 220 episodes. You can listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you download your podcasts.

Listen to Iain’s full interview with Dave Ryding here: