ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. Italy’s Christof Innerhofer confirmed his promising season start with another training best time on the treacherous ‘Stelvio’ course at Bormio. The 26-year-old speed specialist, 6th and 4th in the first two super-G races in North-America and again very fast at training at Val Gardena afterwards, steamed down the demanding Italian course in two minutes and 1,64 seconds, 75/100 ahead of Austria’s Michael Walchhofer. The winner from Lake Louise, who often excelled in Bormio, finished ahead other top-specialists - Klaus Kroell, Didier Cuche and former World Champion Bode Miller.

“It’s such a great course, I like it a lot, the conditions are perfect,” said Innerhofer after his run. “I felt really comfortable today even on the last demanding part which requires very strong legs. I tried a new pair of skis and apparently they are really fast. It should be an exciting race.”

Slovenia’s Andrzej Jerman, last year’s winner, came in 14th, losing over three seconds on Innerhofer who celebrated his maiden World Cup triumph in Bormio two years ago.

Canada’s Erik Guay, 3rd in super-G at Val Gardena, didn’t take part in that first timed trial as he suffered from back pains. His is hoping to be in better shape on Tuesday after receiving intense treatmens from his physiotherapeut. His teammate Roby Dixon was the best Canadian in 21st place while Manuel Osborne-Paradis only clocked the 42nd best time.

Switzerland’s Silvan Zurbriggen, the surprising winner at Val Gardena two weeks ago, also took part in that first training run to be a solid 23rd without taking great risks. The Swiss veteran, who should be able to regain the lead in the overall World Cup standings with another good race on Wednesday, was not planning to compete in Bormio to enjoy a well-deserved break after his intense season start. His unexpected victory at Val Gardena convinced him to change his mind and travel to Valtellina instead, to defend his leader red bib in downhill.

Yet the Swiss may now skip the up-coming City Event at Munich to focus on the next slalom at Zagreb, in Croatia. Ivica Kostelic, another favorite for the overall title, has not traveled to Bormio as he wishes to train slalom for the up-coming technical events at Munich and Zagreb.

A double-winner here in December 2006, Michael Walchhofer is aiming to become the first racer to win a third time the prestigious ‘Stelvio’ downhill which is part of the World Cup tour since 1993, eight years after the 1985 FIS World Championships. The 2003 downhill world champion also finished four times 2nd or 3rd including in the last two years.

“It would be great to do well once more here, it’s a very particular event and it means a lot to excel here,” the 35-year-old Austrian said. “I didn’t feel very fast on my way down this time so I was surprised to see that I had clocked such as good time, I guess the other skiers too are tired after that short Christmas break,” he added. “It’s my last time here so I have a special reason to be very fast on Wednesday.” Walchhofer’s main goal this season is to capture a fourth downhill World Cup title prior giving up ski racing.
Another training run is scheduled on Tuesday followed Wednesday by the last men’s race of the year 2010.

PkL
FISalpine.com
Tuesday 28 December 2010