PA Sport is following Great Britain downhill skier Roger Cruickshank
throughout his build-up to next February's Winter Olympics in Turin. In his own
weekly column RAF flying officer Cruickshank reveals the highs and lows of life
on the World Cup circuit as he seeks to fulfil one of his lifetime ambitions.
The life of a downhill skier is riddled with risk but generally speaking,
playing frisbee with the dog is not one of them.
Unfortunately just such an activity led to me having to push back my comeback
plans this week. I slipped on my good leg which caused me to fall and bend my
bad one the wrong way again, all of which means I face at least one more week of
physio back home in Scotland.
While the latest setback is hard to stomach after my early success returning
to the slopes I hope it will prove a blessing in disguise in the longer term as
my leg gets much more rest as a result.
My unfortunate accident led to me limping onto the BBC stage on Sunday night
where we were auctioning the chance to spend time training with the British ski
team for the "Great Big Bid" for Children in Need.
I have to say it is a close run thing whether hurtling 100mph downhill or
appearing on TV in front of millions is the more nerve-wracking.
But we managed to raise £15,000 for a good cause so it was all worthwhile in
the end.
When you are concentrating on simply getting back to fitness it is hard to
focus on other events in your sport. But I know my fellow British team members
have good cause to regard the imminent start of the World Cup season with
optimism.
In fact I believe the British team is better prepared than ever. We are always
regarded as underdogs for the simple fact we do not have mountains and skiing is
not such a recognised sport.
But we've proved we belong among the best and while we lack in numbers, we are
regarded by our rivals as one of the most professional teams on the circuit.
I should mention our sponsors British Land, who have been supporting the team
for over 28 years now. Our current health would not have been possible without
them and hopefully we can repay some of their loyalty in the season ahead.
It can only help the whole team that we have a guide like Finlay Mickel, who
proved with his 11th place in the world championship in February that he belongs
up there with the best.
I've trained with Finlay for so long since he was at the back, and he has
shown there is a clear way to the top.
Finlay is now looking realistically at top-10 or top-15 finishes this season.
There are so many variables that I believe he could even be looking at podium
finishes if he has a good day.
Just to be able to train with Finlay and bounce ideas off him, little things
he says and does can give me up to half a second and that makes a major
difference.
But that is still some way off. All I can afford to think about now is one
more week of recuperation then simply getting back on my skis again.
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