Carlo Janka and Lindsey Vonn recorded their second World Cup wins in North America in as many days. Swiss Janka’s outstanding season continued with victory in the men’s downhill at Beaver Creek following his triumph in Friday’s Super Combined.
Janka, emerging as a strong medal favourite for February’s Olympics in Vancouver, now has four podiums including two wins from five starts this season.
The 23-
Compatriot Didier Cuche, winner in Lake Louise last week, came within 0.02 of Janka’s time as he took second place — completing another Swiss
Defending overall World Cup champion Aksel
Svindal, a double winner on the Birds of Prey course last year, lost time at the Harrier jump and could not overcome Janka, who delighted in his feat.
“Two wins in two days — it’s fantastic,” Janka said.
“I was very calm at the start, the exact same way I felt before. I made a few small mistakes but I still performed well enough to win.
“When you win on the two most difficult downhills (with Kitzbuhel), it’s something very special. It’s a beautiful day.”
Janka stands on 360 points to lead the overall World Cup chase with Cuche second on 319, Austrians Benjamin Raich at 201 and Michael Walchhofer on 155 and another Swiss, Didier Defago, fifth on 153.
Cuche remains ahead of Janka 180–160 in the downhill World Cup standings after two races as the Swiss skii squad revels in early season success.
“The atmosphere on the Swiss team is fabulous,” Janka said. “It’s always pleasant and friendly.”
Janka goes for a treble sweep in Sunday’s giant slalom, the race he has been focused upon in training.
Vonn asserted her dominance again in Lake Louise to win her second downhill race of the weekend.
After capturing the season’s first downhill in a tricky snow storm on Friday at Lake Louise, Vonn was back on top of the podium 24 hours later flashing through cold, clear conditions to clock a winning time of one minute, 50.06 seconds.
It was the 14th career downhill victory for the twice overall World Cup champion, half of them coming at the posh Canadian resort.
“Over the past few years we’ve raced in every condition,” Vonn said. “For me I know exactly what to do, that doesn’t change even though the weather may change.
“It’s maybe for me a little bit of advantage if the weather is bad because I know some of the girls may get afraid but other than that it’s just the same tactics.
“You have to go out there and ski your best no matter what the conditions.”
Germany’s Maria Riesch,
While Vonn has appeared on the Lake Louise podium a total of 10 times, Saturday’s win marked the first time the 25-
The Canadian resort traditionally stages two downhills to kick off the speed season and while Vonn has won seven times since her maiden career victory in 2004 she had been unable to win both races until now.
“It’s really difficult, I’ve only done it (won
“It’s a great start to the season, it gives me a lot of confidence going into the next speed races and the Olympics (in Vancouver in February).”
Vonn said she was
“I forgot his birthday and his recommendation was I had to win two races to make it up to him so I did,” said Vonn. “We’re all even, so I won’t forget his birthday next year.”
Vonn’s seven victories are now the most by any woman at Lake Louise bettering the six won by Germany’s Katja Seizinger between 1992 and 1997.
Despite her
The German tops the rankings with 316 points followed by Vonn on 309. But the American will be favored to add to her haul with the
Alpine Skiing World Cup Lake Louise:
Women’s
Alpine Skiing World Cup Beaver Creek:
Men’s Giant Slalom 1st Run — Sunday 4.45pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player
Men’s Giant Slalom 2nd Run — Sunday 10pm on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player
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