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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. 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. 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. 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. |
