GAP 2011. GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany – A few top contenders decided to skip out on the first ladies World Championship downhill training run in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Wednesday.

Daniela Merighetti of Italy skis in the Women's Downhill Training during the Alpine FIS Ski World Championships on the Kandahar course on February 9, 2011 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. (February 8, 2011 - Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

France’s Marie Marchand-Arvier was out in full force however, putting down the fastest time in the warm sun and on the very hard, bumpy Kandahar course in Garmisch.

Marchand-Arvier finished in 1 minute, 51.23 seconds, followed very closely by Switzerland’s Lara Gut, 0.10 seconds back, and French teammate Ingrid Jacquemod, 0.23 seconds back.

“I really like these icy and bumpy downhill courses because I’m small and light and I have a disadvantage on courses that are like highways,” Gut said. “Of course you have to work hard and be active. You can’t just keep your hands in your pockets.”

Jacquemod, whose stature is basically the opposite of Gut’s, said the Kandahar presents quite an opponent for her.

“For me, this course is really a challenge because it is a tough fight to get down to the bottom,” she said. “I will give my best and see what the result is. I think a good skier has to be able to ski in all conditions, be it icy, flat or steep.”

Newly crowned world super G champion Elisabeth Goergl, who was doing media interviews and appearances until after 10 p.m. Tuesday following her gold medal, did not start in Wednesday’s training, neither did Lindsey Vonn, who was feeling very much unlike herself in Tuesday’s super G race, and most likely spent the day resting.

World super G bronze medalist Maria Riesch started the training, but deliberately skied off-course after the first few gates. By starting the training, she is qualified to compete in the race on Sunday. Andrea Fischbacher, who badly bruised her heel, quadriceps and calve muscles in a crash in Tuesday’s race, also did not start.

The second ladies World Championship downhill training takes place on Thursday.

FISalpine.com
Wednesday 9 February 2011