1- KROELL Klaus (AUT) 2:04.22 2- MILLER Bode (USA) 2:04.23 3- CUCHE Didier (SUI) 2:04.26 At almost 32 years old, Klaus Kroell is probably not the most profiled Austrian skier. Winner of the Super-G in Kitzbuhel and downhill in Kvitfjell in 2009 then the downhill in Val Gardena and Wengen last winner he pocketed his fourth career success. But his victory today on the Verte des Houches (Val Gardena replacement race) will certainly go down in the history books ! Yesterday the world cup champions confided a few secrets, « It will probably come down to nothing at all and we can’t let any centimeters go in order to win… » Their prediction was right. Kroell knew how to be complete, and let his skis go on the second part to win him the first Austrian victory since practically a whole season ! « When I saw Didier’s split I thought he could beat me. I thought I managed the bottom of the course well, probably better than him. It comes down to nuances today but that’s the essential, » declared Kroell at the finish area. Behind him came Miller. The US ski team member is one –one-hundredth behind, 26centimeters ! Winner last year, Didier Cuche was only four one-hundredths behind the leader « I am shocked when I think about the 76 centimeter lead I had last year ! The slightest error is costly. I am going to try and stay focused until the end of the season . » Still leading the downhill world cup standings the Swiss skiers sees Kroell catch up by 40 points. And the second round tomorrow is going to be intense! Today program - February 4 Piste Verte des Houches 12.00am : Downhill 5.00pm : Race committee meeting at the Majestic Place du Mont-Blanc - Chamonix 4.30pm : Animations & opening of the Kandahar village - Giant screen, catering, snack bar etc. 4.30 > 5.30 : Concert big stage : JUAN ROZOFF 6.00pm : Downhill Kandahar awards ceremony and Super Combined race bib distribution 6.30pm : Fireworks 7.00pm : Catering & Live Music @ Club de ski Chamonix tent > The STUD 8.00pm : DJ SUGARLEG
