Dave Ryding came within a quarter of a second of a first ever FIS World Cup slalom podium in Levi, but still ended up with a personal best sixth at the season opener in Finland.
The British skier was fourth after the opening run on Sunday, stopping the clock in 53.57s, meaning he went fourth from last in the second run, later in the afternoon.
He was up on the leader’s time at the first split, but stalled in the middle third and could not regain the required speed, finishing his second run in 52.67s, only the 18th fastest time second time around.
But he had still done enough for sixth, 1.57s behind winner Marcel Hirscher and just 0.26s off a podium spot.
The result was Britain’s best in an FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup event since Alain Baxter’s fourth place in Are, Sweden, 15 years ago.
Had he made the podium he would have been the first Brit to do so in World Cup history, but he was still pleased with a personal best.
"I am delighted. I am sure no-one expected a Brit in the top six,” he said.
"I have been skiing well and performing in training but this was better than I would have expected.
"I really had to focus before the second run and give it everything to stay up the rankings. I was aiming to get a solid top 15 so sixth is amazing."
Not only is Ryding now sixth in the early season slalom World Cup standings, but also ninth in the overall competition.
The slalom series continues next month, at Val D’Isere, in the French Alps, on December 11. Sportsbeat 2016