11.   World Championship leader Colin McRae and second-placed Carlos Sainz both withdrew with mechanical problems on the first day.

12.   World Cup leader Heidi Zeller-Baehler of Switzerland did not start in the night race at Sestriere as slalom is her weakest discipline.

13.   World Cup leader Lasse Kjus captured his first career downhill victory on Wednesday, boosting his lead in the overall standings and his chances to take the season title.

14.   World Cup leader Martin Ertl missed a gate and did not finish.

15.   World Cup leader Nikki Stone of the United States nailed a triple back somersault and wound up fourth overall Monday.

16.   World Cup leader Primoz Peterka of Slovenia only managed a third spot but still increased his lead in the overall standings as he beat all his hottest competitors.

17.   World Cup leader Stephan Eberharter and Fritz Strobl already were assured of places on the team.

18.   World Cup leader Tomba, who does not participate in speed events, takes to the slopes for a slalom Sunday.

19.   World Cup overall leader Karine Ruby of France did not qualify for the cross final.

20.   World Championship leader Michael Schumacher was a distant ninth in his Ferrari, six tenths of a second slower than Alesi.