Ollie Davies Poised to Shine in Milano Cortina Ski Cross Event
British ski cross athlete Ollie Davies is set to compete in the men's ski cross at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marking his second Games appearance four years after becoming Great Britain's first ever Olympian in this exhilarating discipline. The event takes place in Livigno, where Davies hopes to continue the momentum from Team GB's recent snowboard cross success.
From Snowboard Cross Inspiration to Ski Cross Ambition
Davies arrives in Livigno with renewed confidence following an impressive December performance on the World Cup circuit. He watched firsthand as teammates Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale secured gold in the snowboard cross team event last week, describing the experience as "pretty special" and hoping the exposure generates more support for winter sports.
"I was there, which is pretty sick," Davies recalled. "I was traveling over and I left early enough just so I could arrive. So I was like in the car as their first run was starting and then I pulled up and ran over and got to watch from the semis onwards."
Technical Differences Between Ski and Snowboard Cross
While the competition format remains identical to snowboard cross—with seeding rounds followed by four-person heats where the top two advance—the switch to skis creates significant technical variations. Davies explained that skiers achieve higher speeds, altering drafting dynamics and requiring different course adaptations.
"It's very different," said Davies. "We're a little bit quicker so the draft isn't the same. The start is the same, but they've changed it for us so it's quicker. Then we do stuff that they can't do and vice versa."
He emphasized that despite these differences, certain racing combinations work for both disciplines, creating a level competitive field where "there are no secrets" among athletes.
Course Evolution and Direct Athlete Input
The Livigno course has undergone substantial modifications since a disappointing test event earlier in February, which Davies described as "pretty slow" and lacking excitement for riders. As Team GB's sole ski cross representative, Davies provided direct input into the redesign alongside other competing nations.
"They changed it quite a bit after the snowboarders left," he noted. "They've injected some turns, which is cool, and they've just watered it so it becomes an ice rink. They've added a couple more jumps, so it's better, there's more action, and for us as riders it feels like more is happening."
Olympic Journey and Future Prospects
Davies finished 31st in his Olympic debut at Beijing 2022 but has since benefited from a revised coaching structure that propelled him to this second Games appearance. With all seeding, heats, and finals scheduled for Saturday in Livigno, he aims to emulate his snowboard cross teammates' golden achievement.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6-22, with extensive coverage available on discovery+ via Prime Video. The platform's £3.99 Entertainment subscription provides access to TNT Sports 2, offering comprehensive Olympic coverage throughout the Games.
