Super G vrouwen San Secario

Renate Goetschl won her fifth race of the season as she edged out Lindsey Kildow in the women's Super-G at San Sicario. The Austrian won in a time of one minute 24.90 seconds, nine hundreths quicker than the American, to extend her lead at the top of the discipline standings. Austrian Christine Sponring snatched third from a start position of 36, usurping early leader Britt Janyk of Canada.

Sponring tore a crucial ligament two seasons ago and for the first time this season showed the form that saw her take a shock silver medal in the combined at the 2001 World Championships. It was Goetschl's 43rd World Cup success and came on the slope where she suffered such disappointment at the Olympics last year. Goetschl was fastest in training on Thursday for Saturday's downhill and after victories this month at Altenmarkt and Cortina d'Ampezzo few would bet against her triumphing again at San Sicario on Saturday

The Austrian, who likes fast challenging pistes, has in the past criticised the meandering tree-lined Fraiteve course as being too gentle and gliding. At the Games she was a medal favourite but, nursing a knee injury, she managed only 26th place in the super-G and fourth in the downhill. She described the course as "amazing" and used all her experience to conquer it, following a tight line and relaxing into the finish.

Conditions were ideal with a cold night turning into a warm day and making for fast times. Kildow was also able to banish her demons on this hill, where she fell badly during an Olympics training run ruining her chances of medals last year. Kildow has won one downhill this season and finished three times on the podium in downhill and super-G so she will be pushing Goetschl all the way at the weekend.

Sponring, racing in her first World Cup super-G after concentrating on the more technical events, was surprised and delighted to stand on the podium next to Goetschl.

Bron : eurosport.com