Stechert edges Vonn to win downhill

Gina Stechert of Germany edged Lindsey Vonn of the United States by 0.01 seconds for her first World Cup victory in a downhill Saturday.

Taking advantage of an early start, Stechert wound her way down the Prampero course in 1 minute, 59.94 seconds. Vonn finished second and Anja Paerson of Sweden was 0.39 seconds back in third.

The 21-year-old Stechert's best previous finish was fourth in a downhill in Lake Louise, Alberta, in December.

Stechert was the fifth skier out of the gate, and warmer conditions slowed the later competitors.

Vonn started 17th and was 0.08 seconds ahead of Stechert through three straight checkpoints before losing her lead on the final pitch, where the changing snow conditions had the biggest impact.

At 2.04 miles the Prampero is the longest course the women have raced on all season, but Stechert's margin of victory was measured at 10.6 inches.

Despite her second-place finish, Vonn increased her lead in the overall World Cup standings and has 1,274 points. Maria Riesch, who finished 10th, is next with 1,061 points, and Paerson is third with 960.

Vonn also added to her lead in the downhill standings with 320 points. Dominique Gisin of Switzerland, who finished seventh, is next with 262 points and Paerson is third with 220. There are three more downhills remaining on the season.

Vonn remained tied with Tamara McKinney for the U.S. women's record of 18 World Cup victories.