AP News
(2009-12-11 14:36:39)
VAL D'ISERE, France (Reuters) - Austria, often outclassed by Alpine rivals Switzerland since the northern winter began, struck back by placing three men on the podium of a World Cup super-combined event on Friday.
The traditionally dominant nation had been struggling lately to keep up with the pace set by the resurgent Swiss.
The Austrians reacted in style in Val d'Isere, however, with Benjamin Raich winning ahead of Marcel Hirscher and Romed Baumann sharing third place with Italy's Manfred Moelgg.
"Our racers did everything right," Austrian head coach Hans Pum, who has faced criticism in his ski-mad country after the team failed to live up to their own, high standards, told reporters after a much-needed morale boost.
"The important thing now is to continue the good work."
Austria had not placed three men on a World Cup podium since a super-G in December 2007 at Beaver Creek and Raich, who posted his 35th World Cup win to highlight his status as the most prolific active skier, was chasing his first victory this season.
Upsetting Austria in Val d'Isere would have been nothing new to Switzerland, who topped the medals table ahead of their arch-rivals at the world championships here last February, where the Austrian men had to remain content with just one gold, by Manfred Pranger in the slalom.
SWITZERLAND SUFFER
This time, however, Switzerland suffered with seventh place by Sandro Viletta their best result. As for Carlo Janka, who recorded a sensational hat-trick last week at Beaver Creek, he skied out in the slalom run.
"I really managed to master the course, which is challenging but suits me," said Raich, who moved up to second place behind Janka in the overall World Cup standings.
"I feel rather fresh and there could be more to come," added the 31-year-old, who loves the tricky Bellvarde piste, where he had already won a super-combined event a year ago.
A super-G on Saturday and a giant slalom on Sunday will complete the weekend programme.
After a new face in Janka, Alpine skiing could also use an old rivalry to add spice to the build-up to the Vancouver Olympics in February.
The Austrians will count not only on Raich to trouble the Swiss but also on the 20-year-old Hirscher, who is suggesting he could challenge Janka for the role of the sport's next big name.
"This is very good for all of us," Hirscher said after making his fourth World Cup podium. "I didn't expect Benni (Raich) would be so strong and I surprised myself a little bit as well. I can feel I'm getting nearer and nearer to victory."
(Editing by John Mehaffey)
