Thames Ditton skier Alice MacAulay is adamant there is still more to come despite rounding out her Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships with a gold medal on Sunday.
The women’s National Junior Championship giant slalom race was contested in Tignes, France on the final day of action and MacAulay’s time of 2:19.44 minutes saw her take junior gold ahead of Nicole Ritchie and Ella Still.
That was the perfect end to a tough Championships for the 21-year-old as a hand injury meant she could only ski with one pole in her favoured discipline of slalom.
And MacAulay acknowledges that she couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish her week – although she surprised herself with the result.
“It feels great to be champion and it’s always nice to finish off the week with a win,” said MacAulay.
“I was quite surprised actually – I felt the first run left me wanting more from the second run.
“I think I went a bit harder on the second run but I really feel like I have more to give when it comes to the GS. I’m happy to have won but I still want more.
“You’re always aware of who is around you and who you’re competing against but you have got to try to block that out a bit and just do what you can.
“It has been quite a difficult Championships for me – obviously I had some struggles in the slalom with my injured hand.
“Then the speed isn’t really my thing, so I’m happy to come away with a win in the GS at the end.”
The Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships run until April 1 and are the biggest event of the year for the British ski racing world – with Delancey as the principal sponsor for the sixth year running.
MacAulay’s season is not yet over as she gears up for more races in the near future but the University of Bath natural sciences student also has academic concerns to think about.
“I’m off to Val d’Aran for a few races and then on to Pila, so hopefully I can pick up some results and end the season on a high,” added MacAulay.
“I’ve got three university deadlines in two weeks’ time as well, so lots of work to do! It’s a bit different to this week that’s for sure!”
To follow the progress of the Delancey British Alpine Ski Team visit teambss.org.uk or follow @teambss on Twitter. Principal sponsor Delancey has supported the British National Alpine Ski Championships for six years and Chairman of Delancey’s Advisory Board and British Ski and Snowboard president, Sir John Ritblat, has been involved for 38 years. For more information visit delancey.com
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