GREAT Britain ski racer Jai Geyer is well on the way to recovering from a career-threatening knee injury.

The 24-year-old slalom specialist, from Ipplepen, missed most of last season with a knee injury.

Geyer crashed off the course while racing in the United States before Christmas, suffering ruptured knee ligaments.

The true extent of the damage wasn't realised until after Christmas. When it became clear how bad the rupture was, Geyer had to have surgery, which ruled him out of a debut appearance in the World Championships.

Geyer has been operated on by knee expert Gordon Mackay in Scotland and undergone two phases of rehabilitation work with experts at the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey, Hertfordshire.

After his latest visit to Bisham Abbey, Geyer has been told he is close to full fitness and getting back on his skis.

'I went to Glasgow last week for an MRI check-up and consultation with professor Mackay,' said Geyer.

'The scan showed great progress as did the rehab work.

'Clear healing of the ligament around the internal brace had taken place and will be expected to heal further over the next six to eight weeks before finally plateauing.

'After rigorous testing at Bisham Abbey, the deficit between the two legs is now minimal and I am ready to undertake a new rehab programme, lasting around ten weeks.

'This should put me within ten per cent of my fitness levels pre injury.

'After some final testing at the Olympic Medical Institute at Bisham Abbey, I expect to be fit for transition back to action on snow – and the real fun work starts.

'The rehab so far has been tough, but also a great experience. It has given me the opportunity to come back better and build for the future.

'It's important to be patient and there is still a long way to go.'

Geyer added that he had been helped on the road to recovery by Torquay Alpine Ski Club and the fitness gurus at Steve's Gym, Newton Abbot.

Geyer starts kitting up for the competition season later this month when he goes out to Austria to pick up boots and skis from Fischer.

Then he will start fundraising to cover the costs of his winter competition programme.