SKIING starlet Lucas Ellis was ecstatic to have rounded off his English Alpine Championship campaign in style, after earning his first victory of the week in Bormio in Italy on Thursday.

The English Alpine Championships, organised by national governing body Snowsport England, help provide an early glimpse of the stars of tomorrow.

And with 400 of the country’s best alpine skiers descending upon the Italian resort this week for the 20th running of the event, Ellis - who lives in Pool-in-Wharfedale - had his work cut out for him.

But the 11-year-old proved he is one of the ones to watch, sensationally winning the under-12 Combined event and claiming an English national title.

The fun Combi course was made up of GS gates, slalom gates, berms and a jump, aimed at aiding the development of the younger riders.

And after edging out Luca Carrick-Smith and Jack Upton to win by just five-hundredths of a second, Ellis reflected on a job well done.

“I am really pleased with my win,” he said. “On my first run, which was my fastest, I was a little late at the start, but got better towards the end and then tucked over the jump.

“Unfortunately I skied out on my second run, but I knew my first run was quick and I knew it would be a hard one to beat. I was pretty confident I could win.

“I won three races at the Ambition Championships in Leogang this season and got a third as well, so it’s been a good year so far.

“I have really enjoyed the Championships. The parade at the start of the week was fun and I enjoyed watching the night slalom. But the highlight was my win today and standing on the podium.

“I am going to the British Champs in Tignes next which is my main other race of the season - hopefully I can win again there.”

The English Alpine Championships are an important step for any young skier, with British Olympians Chemmy Alcott and Dave Ryding both having competed at the competition.

Alcott, now retired from racing and coaching her own team, CDC Performance, is taking in the action all week from the sidelines, and she believes she has already seen several stars in the making.

Alcott said: “Being here still brings back so many familiar feelings of wanting to race for me. Obviously I was English so these Champs were always such a big deal to me, and it’s great to come back in a different role.

“I think I’d still be racing if it wasn’t for my leg injury so I try to live vicariously through all of these kids now!

“The competition at this English Champs has been absolutely unreal so far. I’ve never seen such great skiing from British athletes of all ages, and I thank God I’m not racing in this age.

“The level is so high that these guys are all having to push themselves. It’s not just about finishing anymore and pushing the boundaries will reap the rewards.

“That’s what British skiing is about now and it is fantastic to see us trying to be the best.”

The English Alpine Championships, organised by Snowsport England, are run every year in the Italian resort of Bormio. Follow the action via www.englishalpinechamps.org.uk or @SnowsportEng on Twitter. Want to get into skiing or snowboarding? Find your nearest slope offering value-for-money GO SKI GO BOARD sessions at www.goskigoboard.org.uk.