1.   In fact, four Athletics placed in the top six.

2.   While the veteran John Roethlisberger is expected to make a decent showing, the team as a whole may be lucky to finish in the top six.

3.   Rainer Salzgeber and Christian Mayer finished fifth and sixth respectively as the powerful Austrian team placed four skiers within the top six, although missing victory.

4.   McRae can claim the world title if he won the rally and Makinen failed to finish in the top six.

5.   Not only did three of the top six racers in the World Cup rankings this season crash out, but all of them escaped uninjured.

6.   The fourth and final round of eight match games will be held Saturday, after which the top six scorers advance to the championship finals on Sunday.

7.   The other side in the top six, Schalke, is struggling in eighth after barely missed capturing the title last season.

8.   Behind Meoni, Roma and De Gavardo, Alfie Cox, Jordi Arcarons and Richard Sainct complete the all-KTM top six.

9.   She had played down her medal chances but had hoped to finish in the top six.