For the week of January 22 - 28, 2003

Clark continues
World Cup rise

Bode Miller’s struggles persist

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A week after she podiumed in World Cup giant slalom in Austria, Maine racer Kirsten Clark continued her climb in the Cup standings with a sixth place in super giant slalom Sunday at Megeve, France.

Carrabassett Valley Academy grad Clark, 26, moved up to 10th place in the women’s World Cup overall standings. On Monday, teammate Kristina Koznick finished sixth in the women’s slalom at Megeve.

Sweden’s World Cup leader Anja Paerson captured her fifth win of the season—fourth in slalom—Monday at Megeve. On Sunday, Austrian Alexandra Meissnitzer earned her 12th World Cup victory in the Megeve SG.

Meanwhile, U.S. racer Bode Miller continued his struggles with a pair of DNFs in men’s giant slalom and slalom Jan. 3-4 at Flachau, Austria. Miller was leading Saturday’s GS when he crashed out in the final section—his first DNF in five giant slaloms. Miller has DNFd all three slaloms this year.

The good news for the Americans was that Daron Rahlves’ knee injury wasn’t as serious as initially feared. Rahlves badly bruised his knee in the final training run at Bormio, Italy after Christmas. He DNQd Saturday’s GS.

The women travel to Veysonnaz, Switz. for downhill and super giant slalom Jan. 10-11. The men head to Chamonix, France for back-to-back downhills and SL this weekend.

 

Here is last week’s wrap-up:

Women’s SL Jan. 5 at Megeve, France: 1—Anja Paerson (Swe.) 1:42.25. 6—Kristina Koznick 1:43.88. 8—Sarah Schleper 1:44.06. 17—Resi Stiegler 1:44.81. DNF—Lindsey Kildow. DNQ—Julia Mancuso.

Women’s SG Jan. 4 at Megeve, France: 1—Alexandra Meissnitzer (Aust.) 1:24.98. 6—Kirsten Clark 1:25.74. 10—Caroline Lalive 1:26.64. 36—Libby Ludlow 1:27.79. 38—Lindsey Kildow 1:28.07. 41—Jonna Mendes 1:28.32. DNF—Sarah Schleper.

Current women’s World Cup standings: 1—Anja Paerson, Swe. 739. 2—Nicole Hosp (Aust.) 506. Top Americans: 10—Kirsten Clark 257 (5-SG, 7-DH). 14—Sarah Schleper 195 (9-GS). 19—Kristina Koznick 169 (9-SL).

Men’s SL Jan. 4 at Flachau, Austria: 1—Kalle Palander (Fin.) 1:42.24. 23—Tom Rothrock 1:45.12. DNF—Bode Miller, Chip Knight. DNQ—Bryon Friedman.

Men’s GS Jan. 3 at Flachau, Austria: 1—Benjamin Raich (Aust.) 2:22.54. 18—Dane Spencer of Boise 2:24.76. DNF—Bode Miller. DNQ—Daron Rahlves.

Current men’s World Cup overall standings (15 races): 1—Hermann Maier, Aust., 515. 2—Benjamin Raich (Aust.) 469. 10—Bode Miller 337 (1-GS by a 310-249 margin over Kalle Palander). 11—Daron Rahlves 300 (3-DH).

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