SAN SICARIO, Italy, 26 February 2005 — Sweden’s Anja Paerson won yesterday’s World Cup super-G race to extend her lead over Janica Kostelic in the race for the overall title.

Although defending overall champion Paerson won gold in the super-G at this month’s world championships in Bormio this was her first World Cup victory in the discipline.

The powerful all rounder finished the Fraiteve Olympique course, which will host the women’s Alpine events in next year’s Winter Games, in one minute 31.85 seconds.

Paerson now has a 63-point lead over triple Olympic and world champion Kostelic.

Italy’s Isolde Kostner was second quickest, 0.57 seconds behind Paerson, while Austria’s Michaela Dorfmeister and Slovenian Tina Maze shared third place both 0.65 behind.

Kostelic finished level fifth with German Hilde Gerg while favorite Renate Goetschl could only manage seventh place and conceded top spot in the super-G standings to compatriot Dorfmeister.

“This is a huge win for me,” said Paerson, “It was my goal this season to win a World Cup super-G although I’m surprised to do it on this hill which was quite easy and not too demanding. I usually prefer it more rough.”

During practice for the race this week Goetschl had expressed disappointment at the relative ease of the course and Paerson said she was not alone.

“The girls wanted a more challenging course, and I hope it will be a lot more demanding for the Olympics,” she said. “I’m pleased to increase my overall lead in the World Cup, but anything can still happen. It’s been a long season and I’m feeling tired. This is a tricky week here.”

“The only way I’m going to win the overall title is if I keep myself relaxed. Last year I won it by skiing hard in every race but that was easier in a way because I was riding a wave of success,” added Paerson.

“This year has been tougher, competing in all disciplines, but if it happens it will be great.”

Kostner’s second place was her best finish in super-G since March, 2002 and comes at the end of a difficult season for Italy’s most experienced woman skier.

“I didn’t expect this, I just let the skis run and had a smooth run. It’s been a frustrating season but this sets me up nicely for tomorrow’s downhill,” she said.

Maze’s third place equalled her career best in super-G following her podium place at Altenmarkt in December.

As well as today’s downhill the women will also compete in a combined event tomorrow, the penultimate race before the finals at Lenzerheide starting on March 9.