Kingston skier Ed Drake immediately set his sights on what’s around the corner after bringing his maiden Winter Olympic campaign to a close in the giant slalom.

The 24-year-old started his fourth and final event at Whistler Creekside on Tuesday and was ranked 43rd after posting a time of one minute, 21.65 seconds during his first run.

However, Drake picked up the pace shortly after and improved six places during his second outing to end 37th in a total time of 2:45.13.

Drake was all set for a quick return to Europe following the finale of the giant slalom and revealed he always intended to keep his stay in Whistler brief as he looks to the future.

“I have got some races coming up on either the World Cup circuit or in the Europa Cup and it was vital I began preparing for them,” said Drake, who picked up four straight top-40 finishes on his Olympic debut.

“I am not the greatest slalom skier anymore but it was great to get out there and I had nothing to lose.

“I enjoyed going down the course again and I gave it a good shot in the second and I am pleased with my result.

“The past week or so has been massive and it has been everything I expected it to be and more.

“It is the top of the top and it is where the best show their stuff. It is an example of where I want to be.

“I knew it was going to be hard but I feel I am within reach as long as I keep working at it.”

Drake was joined on the slopes of Whistler Creekside by British team-mates Andy Noble and Dave Ryding – who finished 36th and 47th respectively in their opening event.

The Kingston skier will go head to head with Noble and Ryding at next month’s British Championships in Meribel, and he believes they will be gunning for him after he impressed on his Olympic debut.

“The British Championships are always good fun and it is great to have that competition with your teammates,” he added.

“I won a few races last year so I know the guys will be there shooting at me but I think I am coming to form at the right time.

“There are some encouraging signs for the future and I hope the promises that are being made are kept.”

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