BRACKNELL’S Callum Clarke concluded the Delancey British Alpine Skiing Championships in Tignes with his first ever podium finish at a senior event.

The 16-year-old, above right, earned bronze in the Under 18 category of the junior men’s slalom with a combined time of 1:41.97 over two runs.

The British Championships is the biggest alpine skiing event in the British calendar and has been held in the French Alps for the last three years.

This year once again saw Olympians Dave Ryding, Laurie Taylor, Alex Tilley and Charlie Guest take to the slopes, whilst the best up and coming racers from the Delancey U21 and U18 squads also competed such as Clarke.

“It was interesting,” said Clarke. “I had a huge mistake on the first run coming out of the course, managed to get back in and salvage a third place so I’m super happy with that.

“It’s such a big milestone for me, it’s a small step towards where I want to go in my long term goals but I’m really happy because I was not expecting it after that first run.

“I’ve scored in all tech disciplines which was my main goal so I can’t complain at all to be honest."

Studying at Holyport College in Bracknell, Clarke has been able to spend time racing throughout the winter and claimed the British Championships are one of the highlights of his season.

“It’s really good, I really like racing against my peers and rivals here,” said Clarke, who lives near Slough. “It’s good to race against people you know are on the British team and you can see where you want to be in a few years’ time.

“Holyport have been really good letting me out. Juggling work has been tough but I’m getting through it and I’m super grateful for them letting me come out here. It’s such a good place to be.

“The conditions have been rough, every race has been a real fight. There hasn’t been one easy run. Even making my first flip on the giant slalom, the course was still so rutted up and I’m just happy to finish all four races.”

To follow the progress of the Delancey British Alpine Ski Team visit www.teambss.org.uk or follow @teambss on Twitter. As Principal Sponsor of British Ski and Snowboard, specialist real estate investment and advisory company Delancey is proud to be able to provide British athletes with the support they require to win World Cup and Winter Olympic medals. For more information visit www.delancey.com