ALPINE SKI. LAKE LOUISE, Canada – Or should we say, “Lake Lindsey” as the locals refer to the race at which Lindsey Vonn has dominated for the past six consecutive starts. She is incredible. With a huge mistake that almost left her in the fencing at “fishnet,” Lindsey had one of her characteristically athletic recoveries and still managed to continue her reign at Lake Louise.

“I had a lot of speed, hit some bumps, and was going into the net and somehow pulled it off and definitely still carried some speed onto the flats and make up all the time I lost. It was definitely a bumpy ride today but thankfully I was still able to ski well and still somehow win. I'm really excited for Stacey and back to back podiums!.”

Stacey Cook had another amazing day. Her second podium in two days, she skied strong and trusted her skills and used yesterday's confidence to propel herself back onto the podium! Cook was half a second ahead of Vonn halfway down the course, and was nervously watching the times like a hawk Vonn recovered amazingly from her near-crash and made up a ton of time on the flats. The race was closer compared to yesterday and Cook proved that she is a real podium contender for this downhill season. Still seeming in awe of her past two podium performances, Cook could not have been happier with the start of her downhill season.

“I've been waiting for that day for so long and it was kind of unbelievable when it happened, so special. Today I just really had a lot less pressure, I accomplished a major goal yesterday and just skied for myself today and just skied for myself today and really and really charged. I still had some speed in me from yesterday and I found little bit more speed in the course today, made a few little mistakes as well, but two podiums in a row; I never thought that was within my capability.”

An overjoyed Marianne Kaufmann-Abderhalden who hasn't seen the podium since 2010 in Crans-Montana was ecstatic with her finish, smiling ear to ear. “My run was very good. The last part of my run I think was very fast.”  Kaufmann-Abderhalden was indeed very fast at the bottom recording some of the fastest splits at the end of the course, whereas Cook lost more time near the finish, but won the top. Vonns splits were all around fast, all between first and fifth place, except for the "fishnet" section where she she almost found herself in the nets, her split was the 28th fastest.

The weather was less crazy today but still saw some fog in and out, some snow, and some flat light. The girls were staying positive and giving it their best no matter what the conditions, and most of all staying safe! Snowfall at the end of the race continued through the last racers and may leave the track softer for tomorrow.  The "Sled Dogs" race crew is for sure working into the night and through the early morning to make the race as good as possible!

by Anna Goodman
FISalpine.com
Saturday 1 December 2012