Posted at 6:36 a.m., Saturday, February 2, 2008
Skiing: Slovenia's Maze wins women's downhill; Vonn 5th
Associated Press
ST. MORITZ, Switzerland — Tina Maze of Slovenia won a downhill World Cup race today, while Lindsey Vonn finished fifth and missed a chance to tie the U.S. downhill record for victories.Maze traveled the Corviglia course in 1 minute, 44.38 seconds to edge Maria Holaus of Austria by 0.34. Teenager Lara Gut of Switzerland was third in 1:44.73, despite falling just before the finish and crossing the line on one ski.
Vonn tied with Elisabeth Goergl of Austria, 0.42 seconds off the pace after a shaky run in foggy conditions.
"The light was really bad and it was really bumpy," Vonn said. "I tried to fight the whole way, but you couldn't see anything."
Vonn attempted to match the U.S. downhill record of nine career wins set by Picabo Street and Daron Rahlves.
"We still have four more downhills left," Vonn said.
Maze took advantage of improved visibility and a faster course with a late start at 47th. She skied under occasional sunny skies instead of fog.
"Of course, I was a bit lucky with the weather, but that's the way this sport is and I'm very happy," Maze said.
The 16-year-old Gut got her first top-three finish at a World Cup event.
"This is my fourth World Cup race and already a podium finish," Gut said. "I haven't yet realized what this means."
