VAL GARDENA, Italy, 17 December 2005 — Austrian Johann Grugger won a men’s World Cup super-G race yesterday, confirming his arrival as one of the men to watch in the speed events.
Grugger, who was third in the last two downhill races, continued his fine start to the season, clocking a time of one minute 37.35 seconds to snatch victory.
Canada’s Erik Guay was second in 1:37.66 with Ambrosi Hoffmann of Switzerland third with a time of 1:37.67. Overall World Cup leader Bode Miller of the United States was down in eighth place, two lower than great rival Hermann Maier of Austria.
Miller was quick through the upper stages but lost valuable time in the trickier lower sections and was even pipped by his teammate Scott Macartney who skied a career best seventh.
Grugger, who was 14th to go down the Saslong slope in light snowfall, was clearly surprised by his victory.
“I really can’t believe this. I was relaxed and I knew I had the potential for a podium finish but I really didn’t expect a win,” Grugger, who is known as ‘Hans’ by his teammates, told reporters. “This victory really means a lot to me and will be a big boost in morale and confidence ahead of Saturday’s downhill,” he added.
The win confirms Grugger’s status as one of the bright new Austrian hopes in the speed events in the run-up to the Turin Winter Olympics in February. Guay also continued his improved form this campaign with his second runners-up spot after his second place at Beaver Creek and recent sixth and seventh places in downhill. “I was aiming for top five here after Beaver Creek and Val d’Iseree,” he told reporters.
“To be honest I just charged at the course today and it worked out well — I think things are looking good for Saturday,” he added, referring to the downhill event which always carries more prestige.
