ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. 23-year-old Anna Fenninger demonstrated she was the fastest in the 1st run not only because of the good conditions she had, but also of her exceptional talent. She clocked the best time in the 2nd run as well to snatch the second victory of her young career. No one seemed to be able to beat her today; not even big favorite Tina Maze who took 2nd, more than one second behind (+ 1,10). France’s Tessa Worley took the last podium spot, just 0.08 seconds behind Maze.

Exactly one year ago the Super-Combined World Champion raced to her maiden victory and this in front of a home crowd as well. It was in Lienz.  “When I won last year,  I was really surprised. Winning today gives me the confidence that I can do it again and hopefully very soon”, said Anna Fenninger.

For the 1st time of her career she was in the lead of an opening run. She confessed she was quite nervous while waiting on top before the second run. Inspired by the motto “No risk no fun”, she gave it her all and as results got to stand on top of the podium.

“My goal now is to keep skiing at that level until the Worlds’ and we’ll see what is going to happen there”, concluded Fenninger.

Tessa Worley who won the last GS 2 years ago here in Semmering admitted she was pretty satisfied of the runs she put together today. “ I’ve showed consistency so far this season and this is very important for the self-confidence and encouraging for the future races”, said the French racer. “The conditions were a bit soft in the 1st run, as I started 2nd,  and were more bumpy in the 2nd. We all had to adapt. Anna did two perfect runs today. I hope I will get my perfect day soon.”

Her main goal now is to focus on the World Championships coming soon. On top of the GS in Maribor, she will take part in speed events till then as it helps her develop her GS skills.

World Cup leader Tina Maze got the first podium of her career in Semmering so far. “I’m very happy with the 2nd place, although my 1st run wasn’t perfect. I lost a lot of time in the top part. I’m pretty constant and very pleased with the way I’ve been skiing. One can’t win every time . Others also have their perfect day”, said Maze after the race. “I will now stay focused on my goals of the season, which are the Worlds’ and the overall.”

Maze's second place was her tenth podium spot of the season, which took her points tally in the overall standings to 999 and her lead over second-placed Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany to 417 points.

The ladies will now get ready for tomorrow's Night slalom. First start at 15:00 CET. Stay tuned!

FISalpine.com
Friday 28 December 2012