Svindal reclaims World Cup lead with giant slalom win
Hinterstoder, Austria (dpa) - Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway defied foggy conditions on Thursday to win a giant slalom ski race and reclaim the overall World Cup lead.
Svindal posted a combined total of 2 minutes 25.67 seconds to get his second season victory and the fourth of his career.
Canada's Francois Bourque clocked 2:25.93 for second place and Kalle Palander of Finland climbed the podium in third place in 2:26.07 seconds.
"I didn't see anything but I knew I had to attack if I wanted a good placing. It is always my aim to fight for a top placing," said Svindal.
American Bode Miller lost the World Cup lead after just one day when he had to settle for fourth, ahead of the best Austrian, Benjamin Raich. Austria's winless run since Raich won the season-opening slalom now covers 13 races.
Svindal tops the World Cup standings with 521 points from 14 races, with Miller on 490 points and Swiss Didier Cuche third with 410 points.
The Norwegian is also first in the giant slalom standings with 206 points from three races. Palander has 196 and Italian Massimiliano Blardone is third with 160 points.
The men's World Cup continues after a Christmas break with two downhills in Bormio, Italy, on December 28 and 29. // © 2006 DPA
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