Billie Major and Laurie Taylor hail ‘hugely inspirational’ Dave Ryding for impact on British skiing - 'Lots of learning from the top dog'

Billie Major and Laurie Taylor could not speak highly enough of Dave Ryding's impact on British skiing, as the 38-year-old takes part in his final World Cup season. All eyes will also be on Ryding when the Winter Olympics begin in Milano-Cortina on February 6, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Ryding may be calling it a day soon, but he insists the future is very bright for British skiing.

‘Makes me raise my level’ – Ryding motivated by next generation of British skiers

Video credit: TNT Sports

Billie Major and Laurie Taylor have waxed lyrical about the impact which the "hugely inspirational" Dave Ryding has had on British skiing.

The duo were speaking alongside Ryding to TNT Sports at the start of another World Cup season, which will be Ryding’s last before retirement.

This swansong campaign will include the 38-year-old’s fifth and final Winter Olympics Games in Milano-Cortina – live in February on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Skiing stars Major and Taylor highlighted the legacy which Ryding will be leaving behind for all future British winter sport athletes, after becoming the first alpine skier from the country to win World Cup gold with slalom victory in Kitzbuhel, Austria, in 2022.

His first World Cup podium came with a silver medal in Kitzbuhel in 2017, before most recently claiming bronze at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, in December 2023.

"From the moment Billie and I started on the team, Dave was paving the way," said Taylor, who recently secured a career-best fourth-place finish in the opening men's slalom event of the World Cup season in Levi.

"When we started training together, I had a lot to learn from him. I didn't know a lot, in terms of how to prepare properly, and a lot of the professionalisms required.

"I was learning that from Dave as I went on. He leads by example rather than telling us what to do. We kind of see it and copy."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Major echoed Taylor’s sentiments and explained that their personalities blend perfectly with Ryding, as they look to take in all of his expertise before he hangs up his skis for good.

"I think even before we were with Dave and this set-up, we looked at his results and he showed what Britain can do in skiing.

"That was hugely inspirational, and it has been a great five years joining Dave and the boys. There has been lots of learning, and I think we all bounce off each other quite well.

"Everyone has their strong points and weaknesses that we kind of try and tap into, and it's a great little group we have. Lots of learning from the top dog."

Ryding also elaborated on his leadership style within the group and reflected on what has been a groundbreaking career.

"I think myself and the team around me did a lot in the last 10 years, but in the last five years, since I turned 35, I've had four podiums and a win.

"I think that is down to these two guys [Major and Taylor] pushing me as well, day in, day out. It's something I definitely didn't have throughout my career, and I would have loved it earlier, but it also came at a very good time when, as you're getting older, you need the extra motivation.

"So, they certainly came along and instantly started kicking my derriere on the training hill, which instantly makes me raise my levels.

"I'm really proud of the team we've built. We're a really tight-knit team. We have a lot of fun together on the slopes, and there's not many days when we're not having any banter. It's a team that can go on now to do bigger and better things."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

The 2026 Winter Games will take place from February 6-22, with the event shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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