Gruber, Strobl Fastest In Men's DH Training
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February 1, 2004
BORMIO, Italy (AP)–Austria’s Christoph Gruber posted the fastest time in a men’s downhill training session at the Alpine Skiing World Championships on Tuesday, ahead of teammate Fritz Strobl and the surprising Finlay Mickel of Britain.
Women’s training in Santa Caterina was canceled due to poor visibility caused by light snow and low clouds.
High winds blowing through the Dolomites forced organizers to lower the start of the men’s training runs to the downhill start used for the combined event.
Gruber sped down the Stelvio course in 1 minute, 54.13 seconds, with Strobl just .03 behind. Mickel, an early starter who benefited from calmer conditions, crossed the finish line in 1:54.60.
Bode Miller, who won the super giant slalom to open the championships on Saturday, took it slow, finishing almost 4 seconds behind in 29th.
Competition resumes Thursday with the men’s combined event, followed by the women’s combined on Friday.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
