Alcott and Crawford well poised for overall British ski success

CHEMMY Alcott and Dougie Crawford claimed the downhill titles in near perfect conditions at the British Land National Ski Championships in Meribel.

CHARGING: Chemmy Alcott won the women's downhill but Dougie Crawford is favourite for the overall title at the British Championships (Andi Robertson/British Land Ski Championships)

Alcott added to her giant slalom victory while Crawford claimed his third success of the week, following previous wins in the giant slalom and super-G.

It means they will go head-to-head on Saturday for the overall title in their respective super combined races.

Alcott has won the overall title seven times while a British male skier hasn't won the event since Alain Baxter in 2001.

"It was clearly the best day of the championships weather wise. It was a really nice, lovely easy course perfect for the national championships," said Alcott, who had a four-second winning margin over nearest rival Niki Sole. Unfortunately, Louise Thomas, who has won two events this week, crashed out.

"It was really nice win. But for me it has been so nice to have a good battle with Louise Thomas this week, and so it is a shame she crashed.

"Hopefully that has not put her off downhill. She does not love it anyway. I started quite late into downhill, at 18, and I love it. Today especially it was not about nerves but just about me wanting to go all out and charge it. That is a very nice feeling to have such confidence in your skiing.