1. And then it was down to one last racer, Eberharter, who has dominated speed races this year, having emerged from the shadow of injured Hermann Maier. 2. A dismal series of speed races in the first week left the women so far from the podium they needed opera glasses to see the awards ceremonies. 3. The men have already had speed races postponed in Canada, France, and Italy and the women have had to scrub events in France and Switzerland. 4. Pernilla Wiberg is showing she is more than a slalom specialist in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Austria with a trio of speed races there this weekend. 5. A first speed race is scheduled Friday and the next, on the same course, Saturday. 6. A former downhill and super-G specialist, Compagnoni will not start in the speed races or the combined at Sestriere. 7. A title is rare for skiers who do not start in speed races. 8. A second speed race is scheduled in Val Gardena Saturday, with a giant slalom at nearby Alta Badia Sunday and a slalom at Madonna di Campiglio Monday. 9. A slalom specialist, she is also picking up points this season in both speed races. 10. Aamodt is an all-around star, not as good in the speed races as Alphand, but much better in finesse events such as the slalom and giant slalom. |