Just a single error on his second run separated Rose from a World Cup podium finish as seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Martin Braxenthaler of Germany claimed the top spot.

The former RAF Physical Training Instructor from Cambridgeshire said: "At World Cup level you need to live on the edge to be in with a chance so I went for it from the start.

"The course was difficult so I had to work hard to remain upright and react to changes in the terrain while going at full pelt.

"In my first run I was only 0.5 seconds behind multiple Paralympic and Word Cup medallist Martin Braxenthaler of Germany which put me in second place.

"It felt awesome but I refocused for the second run and the course was rough as 70 skiers had passed over it before me.

"At the fourth gate, I slid sideways and pushed to get going again.

"Having lost so much time, I got mad and threw caution to the wind which produced some of the best slalom skiing I’ve ever done."

Spectators at the event were undoubtedly impressed by the determination in Rose's skiing after he shot sideways at the fourth gate and his fearless style underlines why he will be one to watch at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics in March.

British Disabled Ski Team head coach Jane Stevens said: "Sean's form right now is fantastic and we look forward to more of the same at the World Cup races in Abtenau and Sestriere in the fortnight to come.

"I expect 2010 to produce Britain’s premier appearances on the Paralympic sit skiing podiums which will generate a new level of prestige from March through to October 2010."

However, Dave Chugg, the team's manager, claimed that the small budget given to the team is being is hampering Rose and the rest of his team.

The British Disabled Ski Team do not have a major sponsor and therefore, their expenditure this season means they may not be able to afford to compete as effectively in next season's international events which run from October 2010 to March 2011.

Essentially, competing in the Vancouver Paralympics this year has meant putting development on hold.

Chugg said: "The British Disabled Ski Team is using almost every penny they have to give the athletes their best chance at the Paralympics.

"We are trying to balance being able to afford to both compete at the highest level and fund a proper development strategy right now, but ultimately development could suffer.

"To build positively on what we have achieved this year and last year, we really need a sponsor now otherwise our ground breaking projects fast tracking the kids of today into the champions of tomorrow will falter."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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