PENDLE skier is named in England Alpine squad

The 14-year-old from Nelson, has been selected to the England Under-16 Alpine Ski Squad for the 2017/18 season.

The talented skier, who attends Park High School, trains at Pendle Ski Club - the home of World Cup skier Dave Ryding.

Robert, who also trains overseas during school holidays with Team Evolution Racing in Austria, was delighted with his latest selection.

“I am really happy to be part of the England Alpine Squad,” said Robert. “It shows that my hard work is paying off and is great to be recognised by Snowsport England.”

It has been a successful year for Robert who finished the winter season seeded as the second British slalom skier for his year of birth.

He then focused his attentions to the National series of ski race events on the UK slopes - and he enjoyed victory on his home ‘turf’ as well as across the country.

“After claiming my first club national overall race win at my home slope of Pendle in April, I went on to secure the GBR under 16 and overall male National Series Champion titles,” he added.

“In recognition of my achievements, Snowsport England recently awarded me ‘Most Improved Male Skier’ for 2017.

“I am also proud to be one of the governing body’s Dry Slope Ambassadors so I can tell younger skiers how good it is to ski and race on the country’s dry slopes.

“The forthcoming winter of 2018 promises to be very special for me as I have recently been selected to represent England at the ISF World Schools Championships in France, while British Ski and Snowboard have recognised my potential and I will be representing GB at a children’s international race in the Czech Republic - I still cannot believe it as it feels like a dream!”

Robert, who started skiing at the age of three, is hoping to spend as much time as possible training and racing on snow this winter, and to continue to become a more competitive ski racer.

He added: “I can’t wait for the season to start. My big ambition for this winter is to win the English Alpine Championships Slalom title next February.

“I would really like to thank all my sponsors and supporters; Fort Trust, Lancashire Rising Stars, Cheeky Monkeys, Fischer & Shred Optics.”

Snowsport England Talent Development Officer Ian Findlay said: “We are delighted that Robert has been selected again to be part of the England Alpine Squad.

“He has shown that he has both the talent and attitude to be part of the Squad, which will give him support alongside his existing training programme.

“Being part of the Squad provides additional guidance both on and off snow which will aid Robert’s ski racing journey.”

For further information and details on Robert Holmes’ progress visit skirobert.com or go to his Facebook page Robert Holmes-Skier or log on to makeachamp.com.robholmesskier.