Ramsay ‘confident and prepared’ at skiing Worlds

“I’ve had some really good on-hill training this year and we also had a really good dryland training this summer, so coming into Tarvisio I feel very confident and very prepared for what’s still to come.”

Canada’s current slalom and super combined World Cup leader Alana Ramsay was a picture of calm after her second downhill training run at the 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, on Tuesday (24 January), with her focus now turning to the rest of the competition.

The 22-year-old has had a great season in the build-up to the Worlds, finishing on top of the downhill World Cup podium in Innerkrems, Austria, as well as several other wins in technical events.

Ramsay is quickly becoming one of her country’s hottest properties but is not letting any pressure there may be get to her.

“I’ve had some really good on-hill training this year and we also had a really good dryland training this summer, so coming into Tarvisio I feel very confident and very prepared for what’s still to come,” she said.

In both downhill training sessions in Tarvisio Ramsay finished fourth, putting her in contention to take a medal on the Di Prampero slope.

“The downhill training is a lot of fun. It’s a good track. There’s definitely a few tricky spots here and there but you just gotta work through them. I’m really excited about the race tomorrow.”

However the 2017 Worlds have also seen the return of France’s 11-time world champion Marie Bochet after an injury. Bochet registered the fastest times in both training runs, sending a clear message that she is ready to race hard.

Ramsay is pleased to ski against one of her main competitors once again, especially with just over a year to go until the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

“It’s nice to see Marie back. It’s nice to have a bit more of competition back in the field and I’m excited to see how this week turns out,” Ramsay said.

On the subject of PyeongChang 2018 Ramsay said she was also “excited” about the Test Event at the Jeongseon Alpine Centre due to take place in March. Like most skiers, it will be the first time she gets to see the venue and experience the culture.

The Tarvisio 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships run until 31 January, featuring more than 100 of the world’s best skiers from 30 countries.

All races are being shown live, alongside live results, at Tarvisio2017.com.

The competition can also be followed on World Para Alpine Skiing’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ParaAlpine).