Fog stops women's downhill training in St. Moritz

1 February 2008

ST. MORITZ – Foggy weather forced organizers to scrap a women’s downhill training session on Friday.

A World Cup downhill race is scheduled for Saturday and a super-G on Sunday.

Canadian Emily Brydon had the fastest times in training on Wednesday and Thursday. Downhill leader Lindsey Vonn, who has won three of five races in the discipline this season, appeared to hold back in the training runs but the American remained the favorite for Saturday’s race.

Vonn came 23rd on Wednesday and 25th on Thursday.

Another victory for Vonn would match the record of Picabo Street and Daron Rahlves as the most successful US downhill skiers.

Vonn’s teammate Leanne Smith, who is taking part in a World Cup meet for the first time, came a surprising second in Wednesday’s training.

Olympic slalom champion Anja Paerson of Sweden was fourth in both training sessions on the 2,828m course on the Corviglia. Paerson is fourth in the downhill standings and second in the super-G discipline.

Renate Goetschl had the third fastest time in Thursday’s training. The downhill and super-G World Cup winner of 2007, Goetschl is currently third in the downhill standings and sixth in the super-G discipline.

Monika Dumermuth had the second fastest training time on Thursday despite a possible inflammation of her left shin bone. The Swiss skier has yet to post a podium finish this season.

It is the second time this season that women’s World Cup races have been staged in St. Moritz. A downhill and super-G were moved from Val d’Isere to the Swiss resort in December because of lack of snow at the French resort.

Thick clouds and snowfall are expected Friday night and Saturday morning, according to forecasts. Some bright spells are expected later Saturday.

Fog stops women’s downhill training in St. Moritz