GB's Taylor Climbs to Fourth as Ryding Finishes Seventh in World Cup Slalom Opener
British skier Laurie Taylor has broken through the barriers with a career-best finish of fourth place, while veteran Dave Ryding secured seventh spot, as Great Britain recorded their best combined performance ever in the men's slalom at the opening World Cup event in Levi, Finland.
Taylor, 29, led for most of his second run and narrowly missed out on a first podium, finishing in one minute 51.33 seconds - just 0.31 seconds behind winner Lucas Pinheiro Braathen from Brazil. Clement Noel from France claimed second spot, while Eduard Hallberg from Finland edged out Taylor to take third place.
"This was an incredible feeling," Taylor said, reflecting on his fourth-place finish. "The run felt solid and in charge; I just kept climbing up the standings – it was quite surreal. It's a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season."
Dave Ryding, who is competing in what could be his final World Cup event as he looks to wrap up his skiing career, secured seventh place with a respectable finish.
For GB men's slalom coach Jai Geyer, the team's performance was "what a day," noting that it marked their best start to a season ever. "We've never had two in the top seven before, so we're all pumped – great for the team."
The win for Pinheiro Braathen was also notable, as he became the first Brazilian to take World Cup victory since joining the sport last season.
British skier Laurie Taylor has broken through the barriers with a career-best finish of fourth place, while veteran Dave Ryding secured seventh spot, as Great Britain recorded their best combined performance ever in the men's slalom at the opening World Cup event in Levi, Finland.
Taylor, 29, led for most of his second run and narrowly missed out on a first podium, finishing in one minute 51.33 seconds - just 0.31 seconds behind winner Lucas Pinheiro Braathen from Brazil. Clement Noel from France claimed second spot, while Eduard Hallberg from Finland edged out Taylor to take third place.
"This was an incredible feeling," Taylor said, reflecting on his fourth-place finish. "The run felt solid and in charge; I just kept climbing up the standings – it was quite surreal. It's a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season."
Dave Ryding, who is competing in what could be his final World Cup event as he looks to wrap up his skiing career, secured seventh place with a respectable finish.
For GB men's slalom coach Jai Geyer, the team's performance was "what a day," noting that it marked their best start to a season ever. "We've never had two in the top seven before, so we're all pumped – great for the team."
The win for Pinheiro Braathen was also notable, as he became the first Brazilian to take World Cup victory since joining the sport last season.
they're finally starting to put in some solid performances after years of struggle! Laurie Taylor's 4th place is huge, and it's crazy that Ryding can still finish top 7 at this stage of his career. I mean, the guy's getting old for slalom events, but he's still giving it his all 
Finally, a Brit breaking through, and not just in Brexit 
. But seriously, Laurie Taylor's fourth place is sick! I mean, who wouldn't want to ski down a mountain in Finland and come out on top? 
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen from Brazil might've won the gold, but TBH, who needs that much gold when you can have an awesome alpine run in the woods? 
Clement Noel and Eduard Hallberg better watch their backs now. And kudos to Dave Ryding for wrapping up his career with a solid 7th place – he's literally skiing off into the sunset 
️
And Ryding's 7th spot isn't bad at all, considering he's like, almost done with his skiing career 
Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds for these guys 
I mean, can you believe it? Britain's been on a roll in slalom and it's awesome! Laurie Taylor's fourth-place finish is a huge milestone for him, not to mention the team's overall performance – this is definitely one for the history books 
. It's also interesting to see how Dave Ryding's decision to end his career after this World Cup event might actually give him a perfect farewell 
. As for Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, becoming the first Brazilian to win in ages is a great achievement 
. And Pinheiro Braathen's win is insane, gotta love seein' new talent break through 
! GB's slalom squad is lookin' fierce this season 
Taylor's 4th place is defo a highlight of my week! 
. What's even more impressive is the team's performance as a whole... I mean, we've never seen GB men's slalom do so well in one event before! 
The coaches are stoked and the athletes should be too. Pinheiro Braathen's win from Brazil is also super cool – first Brazilian to take World Cup victory since last season 
. Dave Ryding may not have won but still had a solid 7th spot, props to him for giving it his all 
. can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings 
I'm beyond thrilled for Laurie Taylor 
! He was so close to that podium, and 0.31 seconds is like, forever in ski racing 
. But honestly, he's still got this: that confidence boost is gonna carry him through the rest of the season 
after all these years! Taylor's 4th place is pretty decent and Ryding's 7th spot is still a solid finish considering he might be done with the sport. I mean, it's not like they've never had any good results before... just seems like they're finally getting their act together 
. And what's up with Pinheiro Braathen winning? Like, I'm happy for him and all, but he's Brazilian and this is his 1st World Cup win since joining last season... it's not like he's been dominating the sport or anything 
7th place is still an amazing achievement. The team's all buzzing now, and I'm sure they're gonna carry that momentum into the rest of the season! 
he's like a total rockstar on his skis, gotta love the confidence boost for the rest of the season 