IN-FORM skier Sean Rose achieved a historic first on Wednesday by winning Britain s first-ever IPCAS World Cup gold medal. Finishing almost a second in front of Japan s Akira Kano in the first downhill race in Sestriere, St Neots skier Rose pulled in the

IN-FORM skier Sean Rose achieved a historic first on Wednesday by winning Britain's first-ever IPCAS World Cup gold medal.

Finishing almost a second in front of Japan's Akira Kano in the first downhill race in Sestriere, St Neots skier Rose pulled in the team's best-ever result just days away from the team selection for the Paralympics in March.

Rose said his preparations for the race had been ideal, but that conditions on the day made life difficult.

"The last few days of training have been amazing and put me in a great frame of mind for racing," he said. "However, the cloud came in causing flat light and made changes in the course difficult to see.

"The snow must have softened and a few competitors crashed out in the ruts. I sat at the top contemplating it all for more than an hour throughout the delays between skiers.

"My run was fantastic until six gates from the finish. I ran too straight and just hung on as I came over the final rise. I totally over-jumped it at more than 70mph, landed and just managed to stay inside the last gate to the finish."

He added: "Hearing the National Anthem for the first time at the World Cup prize-giving was a fantastic experience."

Rose attributed his success to the ski technician the British team have had with them this week, though the costs involved have prevented him travelling with the team full-time.

Rose added: "My skis ran fast today which is down to having a ski technician working with us. I hope we can find a sponsor to cover his costs going forward as it is a real advantage.