Winter Roundup Miller claims title as top American skier
Bode Miller finally had something to cheer about at the traditional Hahnenkamm World Cup races at Kitzbuehel, Austria.
Earlier this week, he accused organizers of making the famous Streif downhill course much bumpier and dangerous than it already was. He also criticized organizers for disrespecting the 68-year-old history of the event by changing the slalom course.
But yesterday, Miller won the combined title for the slalom and Saturday’s downhill, which means he is now the most successful American skier with 28 World Cup wins, overtaking skiing legend Phil Mahre.
“It’s a nice record, something you dream about as a kid,” the 30-year-old Miller said.
“As a professional skier, you’re more focused on winning each individual race. Before the season, it was my target to break that record, and it’s a really good feeling if you reach your goals.”
Jean-Baptiste Grange earned his fourth win of the season in the slalom race. The 27-year-old Grange, who led after the first leg, finished in a two-run combined time of 1 minute, 45.04 seconds.
The Frenchman edged Jens Byggmark, who was fourth after the opening run, by 0.15 seconds. Mario Matt took third, trailing Grange by 0.52 seconds.
Miller finished 14th in the slalom after taking second in the downhill, which earned him the classic combined title at the Hahnenkamm races.
Benjamin Raich was second in the combined and went back to the top of the overall World Cup standings, leading Miller by 29 points.
Miller wants to improve on his technique.
“I have made too many errors,” he said. “But when you look at my split times at the Super-G and the downhill, you see that I should have won them both.”
He had praise for Grange.
“Just incredible, he is the best slalom skier I’ve seen for many years,” Miller said.
“Everything’s going very smooth for me these days,” Grange said. “I am concentrating well and I know that I am a fast skier. Winning in Kitzbuehel is a big moment for me.”
Women’s Skiing
Maria Holaus broke through for her first World Cup victory at Cortina D’Amprezzo, Italy, and Julia Mancuso finished second again, leaving the American still looking for her first win of the season. Holaus took advantage of an early start position to win a sunny Super-G, covering the melting Olympia delle Tofane course in 1 minute, 24.63 seconds. Mancuso, the Olympic giant slalom champion, finished 0.23 behind, and overall World Cup leader Nicole Hosp of Austria was third, 0.28 back.
Ski cross
Tomas Kraus of the Czech Republic and Ophelie David of France won a World Cup ski cross event at Kreishberg, Austria. Kraus earned his 10th career victory, while Swiss skiers Michael Schmid and Alois Mani followed. David won the women’s race for her 10th career title, edging Karin Huttary of Austria.
Nordic combined
Eric Frenzel won his first Nordic combined World Cup event and finished second in the sprint event at Klingethal, Germany. German teammate Ronny Ackermann extended his overall World Cup lead when he finished second in the jump. Bill Demong of the United States lost his third place after the cross-country race and had to settle for fourth with 177 points.
Freestyle
Michelle Roark put together a solid final run to win the women’s World Cup moguls event at snowy Whiteface Mountain at Lake Placid, N.Y. Olympic champion Dale Begg-Smith of Australia won the men’s event.
Ski jump
Janne Ahonen of Finland won a World Cup ski jumping meet in Harrachov, Czech Republic, clearing 199.5 meters in rainy conditions to win with 187.9 points. Tom Hilde of Norway finished second with 185.6 points for his leap of 193.0.
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