Aksel Lund Svindal was crowned champion of the overall World Cup champion after Benjamin Raich straddled a gate in the first round of the slalom in the Are finals on Saturday, ending the Austrian's title ambitions.

The two men entered the race with just two points separating them, with the Norwegian leading on 1009, but Raich had become hot favourite to win the World Cup title because of his ability in the slalom, despite being second on 1007 points, the smallest difference between winner and second place in the history of the World Cup.

The Austrian World Cup number two was the first skier out of the gates, wearing bib number one, and took to the course conservatively, seeking that top 13 finish to secure the large crystal globe. Yet as the 31-year-old's confidence grew he tried to push harder and dramatically was caught out by the devious snow conditions, forcing an error.

Therefore Svindal claims the premier World Cup prize, the same title he won in the 2006-2007 season. For all Alpine fans it is great to see Svindal return to glory, after the horrifying injury he suffered in Beaver Creek which forced him to forfeit the entire 2007-2008 season.

Raich finished second in the overall standings, as well as the giant slalom discipline rankings. The Austrian had won the overall World Cup back in the 2005-2006 season, but will have to make do with the runner-up spot this season.

Manfred Moelgg finished first in the first round, with a time of 53.69. The Italian is out of contention for both the overall World Cup and discipline standings, but a win in the last race of the season will boost the 26-year-old's moral for next year.

Giuliano Razzoli finished second, with a time of 53.94, 25/100 behind his teammate Moelgg.

Julien Lizeroux finished third on 54.06, a third of a second off the leaders time.

Ivica Kostelic finished fourth, with a time of 54.21. The result would see the Croatian move up to third in the overall standings, joint with Didier Cuche who is not racing today.

Kostelic also has a chance of winning the specialty title, but that depends not only on his result but also on how Jean Baptitse Grange performs. The Frenchman is currently tenth, with a time of 54.72. Only 49 points separate the two.

The second run gets under way at 11:30 (CET).

Saturday, 14 March 2009 08:48
fisalpineworldcup.com

Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR) wins overall World Cup

Aksel Lund Svindal was crowned champion of the overall World Cup champion after Benjamin Raich straddled a gate in the first round of the slalom in the Are finals on Saturday, ending the Austrian's title ambitions.

The two men entered the race with just two points separating them, with the Norwegian leading on 1009, but Raich had become hot favorite to win the World Cup title because of his ability in the technical events.

In the end Svindal beat Raich by just 2 points, the lowest margin in the history of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.

FIS news
15/03/2009

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