The giant slalom wrapped up the opening 2000-2001 Nokia FIS World Cup event stop here in Tignes, France, today with the Italians claiming double golds.
While Carmen Ranigler and Walter Feichter took the golds today, the Italian women's team really dominated, taking first, second and fourth. Ranigler, who also got top results in the snowboard cross races, finished third in the first run and made it up in her second run.
"I just cannot believe this," she said. Especially considering the dramatic change in weather. While the day began under blue skies, after the second run the fog and snow rolled in.
"Due to the bad visibility it was extremely difficult in the second run," Ranigler said. "The goggles were frozen so I could not see where I was going and I was almost prepared to knock out but I still made myself continue. It was amazing when I discovered that I won, I did not expect that at all!"
Marion Posch also contributed to the Italian team's success, finishing second. "It's hard for me to remember when I had a good GS runs like this," she explained. "I am much better in slalom so I was already surprised when I was second this morning. I did not expect to have another run of the same style but the course did fit me a lot and I am really happy I worked it out."
Heidi Renoth from Germany was the only one who could break through the Italian dominance, finishing third ahead of Dagmar Mair from Eggen, Italy. "I really needed this result right at the beginning of the season," Renoth said with a smile. "It is much more motivating than the last time I made it to the podium in GS which happened in Park City last year, almost at the end of the season. I did not expect this today after I was ranked 11th after the first run."
France's Karine Ruby, who was the fastest rider early this morning, crashed in the second run with the finish in sight, and ended up in 11th place.
Feichter was blown away by his first-ever World Cup victory today. He was second in giant slalom at Mont-Sainte-Anne last year but has not really been a contender since. After a fourth place finish in the first run today, he couldn't believe it when he was announced the winner.
"Unbelievable. What else can I say?" he asked, shaking his head. "The Italian team has probably never seen a day like this. The conditions in the second run have been very difficult and I did not expect anything like that. When I was in the start gate I already knew about the women's success and maybe this pushed me. It's just fantastic."
Austria's Stefan Kaltschutz was really going for the win today with second place in the first run, but ultimately he couldn't catch Feichter. "I wanted this win but made two little mistakes. Although I was able to work it, Walter was obviously better today. Second place is fine for me. I've been training hard for the past three months and it paid off today." Daniel Biveson from Sweden slid into third, ahead of French rider Nicolas Huet - his best-ever alpine racing result.
However, last year's GS World Cup champion Mathieu Bozzetto did not take the start. The Frenchman underwent a knee operation just four weeks ago and is still recovering. "My kneecap was broken and a piece was always moving so I went for an operation in mid-October and they completely took it off. That's why I cannot attack in a competition. I am here today to check the level of my rivals, give a little consultation to the riders and also just to be out watching some snowboarding. Maybe I will be back for the World Cup in Sweden but I am not sure yet."
Bozzetto also mentioned that the next World Cup event, scheduled for December 1st in Tandadalen, Sweden, may not happen as planned due to the current weather conditions in Scandinavia. A final decision will be made on November 24th...we'll keep you posted.
— Britta Semmler, MountainZone.com Correspondent
