GAP 2011. GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (Feb. 14) – Recently crowned FIS Alpine World Ski Championships downhill silver medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) will miss the remainder of the championships in order to focus on defending her four Audi FIS Alpine World Cup titles.

"Coming into these championships my plan was to race in all of the events, but I've decided to take the next two weeks off from competition in order to get back to 100%," said Vonn.

Vonn is the three-time defending World Cup overall champion and holds titles in downhill, super G and super combined from last season. She is currently leading the downhill, super G and super combined standings, but sits 156 points behind friend Maria Riesch in the overall standings. Raised in Garmisch, Riesch is a double bronze medalist in super G and downhill at these championships.

"It's been a really difficult few weeks and at every stage, I've had 100% confidence in the medical advice I've been provided and believe we've made the right decisions," said Vonn. "I'm a competitor and I love to race, that's what makes this a really tough choice, but I do feel it's the right one."

Still remaining on the World Championships women's calendar are the nation's team event, giant slalom and slalom.

"Thanks so much to all my fans in Garmisch, the crowds are the biggest we've seen in a while at a World Championships. My hope is that I will be healthy and fresh when the World Cup tour resumes."

The World Cup picks back up Feb. 25-27 in Are, Sweden with a super combined, downhill and super G

FISalpine.com
Tuesday 15 February 2011