KITZBUEHEL, Austria (AP) _ American Daron Rahlves became the first American man to win a World Cup downhill on the notorious Hahnenkamm on Saturday.
The American charged down the shortened Streif course _ considered the most dangerous and esteemed course on the World Cup circuit _ in 1 minute, 9.63 seconds.

 Streif course

Switzerland's Didier Cuche was runnerup in 1:09.68, while the experience of veteran Kjetil Andre Aamodt proved handy, the Norwegian crossing third in 1:09.71.
It marked Rahlves' second downhill victory of the season and his fifth podium finish.
"I feel like this is my destiny," Rahlves said.
"Kitzbuehel is incredible. I'm just trying to soak it up right now.
"I feel like I'm still dreaming. It's the greatest feeling in the world."
The only previous American downhill victory on the famed Hahnenkamm came from ski legend Buddy Werner, who triumphed in 1959, nine years before the creation of the World Cup.
Werner, a two-time U.S. Olympian, died in the prime of his career in an avalanche in Switzerland in 1964 shortly after racing in the Innsbruck Olympics.
Rahlves has shown promise here in 2001, finishing third but blew his chance last season, crashing out.
The only other American to climb the podium here was A.J. Kitt, who finished runnerup in 1992.

Stephan Eberharter

The Austrians were shut out of the podium on their home snow, with reigning World Cup overall, downhill, super-G champion Stephan Eberharter posting the nation's top result in fourth with 1:09.72.
It was a heavy blow to Austrian pride, the host nation having swept the four previous downhills here, and the seven previous speed races.

Cuche, Rahlves and Aamodt

The race was delayed over two and half hours because of fog. Organizers were forced to lower the start to the Alte Schneise section for reasons of time.
"It's a bit disappointing we didn't start at the top," said Rahlves, who planned to go to the famous Londoner bar that night for the traditional celebrations after the downhill. "I enjoy kicking out and the Mausfalle and the Steilhang.
"I was a little bit lucky because it was a tight race."
Austrian-born actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Formula One racer Gerhard Berger attended the race.

AP, 25.01.2003 

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