Germany’s Stephan Keppler clocked the fastest time in the first practice run held earlier today on the treacherous ‘Stelvio’ course at Bormio where the next men’s downhill race is scheduled on Dec.29th – 2011. The 28-year-old Bavarian, a promising 6th in Super-G at Val Gardena /Groeden a week ago, beat by a few tenths of a second Matteo Marsaglia and his Italian teammate Peter Fill at the end of the delayed training session after missing a gate.
Switzerland’s Didier Cuche, 6th at 81/100 of second back, was the best of the established favorites of the day, just ahead of Austria’s Klaus Kroell while Canada’s Erik Guay was 8th in front of 2005 double World Champion Bode Miller.Switzerland’s Beat Feuz, the unexpected leader of the downhill World Cup standings and surprising Super-G winner at Val Gardena ahead of Miller, Norway’s Aksel Lund Svindal, ended a far 25th at 2,42 seconds. France’s Johan Clarey, the fastest man of the day at Val Gardena ten days ago prior the cancellation of the Italian ‘World Cup Classic’ skied out of the course while Christof Innerhofer, a winner here three years ago, didn’t manage to train today because of a strong feaver.
The training run, which started nearly an hour and a half later than scheduled because of a last minute course change in the upper part of the course, took place by superb weather conditions. Last year’s winner, Austria’s former World Champions Michael Walchhofer nearly regretted not to wear his racing suit at the start instead of being a ‘mental and technical’ advisor of the young Austrian speed specialists.
Most of the usual favorites were pleased to be skiing again on the ‘Stelvio’ which requires much determination and great physical shape. “It’s for sure a tough and challenging course, especially after the Christmas break, but it’s always pretty exciting to be here,” Cuche told the press after his run.“There is not so much snow in the lower part and you need to fight hard to stay focused on the fastest line,” added the Swiss veteran who has started his World Cup career here back in December 1993.
Another training run is planned for tomorrow later morning.
by Patrick Lang
