British duo Tilley and Raposo relishing start of Ski World Cup series

The Delancey British Alpine Team athletes will be out of the start gates on Saturday and Sunday respectively in the ladies' and men's Giant Slalom races in Soelden.

This weekend's competition will mark Raposo's World Cup debut, but he admits he is more than ready for the challenge that awaits.

"I am looking forward to the race and I am feeling pretty good after a week or so of training in Soelden," he said.

"I have just been keeping in my normal routine and really just treating this as any another race. We are usually in Soelden at this time of year anyway, so although the town is starting to fill up, it feels pretty normal.

"Competing in the World Championships means that I have already had that experience of full grandstands and crowds, so I think that will help any nerves.

"I am not setting any expectations and I will just be happy if I ski hard and ski well, and hopefully enjoy the race."

Tilley said: "I have had a great summer of training with over 11 weeks on snow, much of the time with good conditions.

"I am hoping I can now take that into race day. I remember feeling very similar before the Soelden opener last season.

"It seems like there has been a big build up and I just want to get out there and get started.

"Soelden has a really unique feel to it. There are huge crowds and everyone can be quite tense because they don't really know here they are at yet. I just can't wait to get stuck in."

Sportsbeat 2016