BASINGSTOKE ski racer Laurie Taylor is on the search for sponsorship, to help him realise his dream of skiing in World Cup races and the Winter Olympics.

The Great Britain under-21 slalom, giant slalom and super g skier had a great 2015/16 season, where he reduced his FIS points and improved his world ranking.

He was second in the Slalom in the British Championship, behind Dave Ryding, who is currently on the World Cup circuit and ranked 22nd in the world.

Of the 122 starters in the event 66 skiers crashed out, but the 19-year-old was not one of them.

Taylor, who starting sking at the age of six, posted the third best time in the first run, behind Ryding and Alex Barounos.

He then produced a superb second run, which saw him overhaul Barounos to take silver In fact he also beat World Cup star Ryding by half a second and was the only Brit to do so, on what was a tricky course at Tignes in the French Alps.

Other achievements during his best season to day, saw the Basingstoke ski racer win the St Gervais International slalom race in France and was second in an internationals race in Pila Italy.

As a result of his progress he has been selected into the three year British Alpine Ski Team programme, which aims to develop British skiers to be competitive at Europa Cup, World Cup and the Olympics.

Taylor said “This is a great opportunity for me to take my skiing to the next level and reach my goals of becoming a world class skier.

“It will allow me to train with world cup athletes, coaches with experience in world cup teams and attend events like the World Junior Championships and World Championships next year.”

To be able to take up his place on the training programme, which is based Austria, he is looking for sponsorship partners to help fund the costs £32,000, which includes coaching staff, training costs, accommodation, food and travel to and from races across the world.

Taylor added: “I am a good role model and have the drive, determination and ability to succeed at reaching my dreams.”

To get in contact with hopefully this further Olympian, email Taylor at laurietski@gmail.com