Baxter's in the mood to impress

SCOTTISH slalom ace Alain Baxter was today cursing his luck as snow fell in parts of Scotland.

The Edinburgh-born slalom ace has been forced to travel miles to find training areas due to the unseasonal weather near the British team’s training base in Austria.

Aviemore-based Baxter is, however, remaining positive about the re-start of the World Cup season.

And he is one of the hopefuls who will go to the start gate in Slovenia tomorrow.

Baxter has been boosted by a series of fine results so far this season which have included a first-ever Europa Cup win.

The popular Scot - nicknamed The Highlander - said: "I’ve had a first, third and fifth. I’m pleased with that and the results represent the best start to the season I’ve ever had.

"I’m also working well with my ski technicians supplied by my sponsor Head and we appear to be on the same wavelength.

"That’s vital at this standard of competition where every split-second really counts.

"The pressure is on as there are a lot of races in January and February, but that does not bother me. I know I’m skiing well and it is up to me to build on my good start to the season."