ALPINE:

Walchhofer fastest in Lenzerheide training as he seeks grand exit

March 15, 2011

LENZERHEIDE, Switzerland — Michael Walchhofer showed he's ready to end his downhill career on a high note, while Lindsey Vonn and Maria Riesch warmed up gradually for their four-race showdown to decide the World Cup overall title.

Walchhofer was fastest in the only training run for the last men's World Cup downhill of the season, and the last of his distinguished career before retiring.

"It's important for me to know that I can be fast," said the 35-year-old Austrian, who seeks a fourth season-long downhill title. "Because it's so close, the only thing to do is try to win."

One hour later, Slovenia's Tina Maze posted the fastest time for the second straight day. Maze finished in 1:28.20, ahead of Julia Mancuso of the United States and Daniela Merighetti of Italy.

Vonn came down seventh and Riesch placed 11th.

Walchhofer clocked 1 minute, 23.21 seconds down the short but steep Silvano Beltrametti course, described by racers as more like a fast super-G track than a true downhill. Times were slowed by snow that had been softened in the warm sunshine.

Klaus Kroell of Austria was 0.21 seconds back in second and Christof Innerhofer of Italy was third.

Only Kroell and Swiss veteran Didier Cuche, who placed fifth Tuesday, can deny Walchhofer the crystal globe trophy. Canada’s Erik Guay was 15th.

Walchhofer has a 14-point lead over Cuche, who also seeks a fourth discipline title.

Kroell trails by 79 and has an outside chance, with a victory worth 100 points.

Vonn locked up the downhill title two weeks ago but trails her German friend and rival Riesch by 23 points in the overall standings.

The 26-year-old American likely needs to build a lead from results in the downhill on Wednesday and the super-G on Thursday if she is to win a fourth straight overall title.

Vonn said she was conservative after making mistakes in Monday's opening practice session on a slope where she last raced in 2005.

"All in all, it was a solid training run and I'm happy that I got one good one through the finish. It gives me more confidence," said Vonn, who was 0.61 faster than Riesch.

— The Canadian Press contributed to this report

Lenzerheide men's World Cup downhill training results

Lenzerheide women's World Cup downhill training results