1.   A. Your timing is as precise as that of a slalom skier.

2.   But what Claudia Riegler has always been since she first strapped on boots in the mountains above Salzburg is a gifted slalom skier.

3.   Imagine Mulligans at the Masters or a slalom skier who misses a gate getting a second run.

4.   The event is favoring the slalom skiers heavily over the downhillers.

5.   They demonstrate a rugged, deliver-at-any-cost wildness of a Pony Express rider and the precision of a slalom skier.

6.   Ylva Nowen of Sweden has been the dominant slalom skier, but her ability to handle big-event pressure is unknown.

7.   Austrian Thomas Sykora, currently the best slalom skier on the World Cup circuit, dominated an exhibition slalom at Sestriere as home favorite Alberto Tomba derailed.

8.   Austrian Thomas Sykora, currently the best slalom skier on the World Cup circuit, dominated an exhibition slalom at Sestriere Wednesday night as home favorite Alberto Tomba derailed.

9.   Critics call it meaningless, complain it favors the slalom skiers and say it cheapens both the downhill and slalom without producing a true champion.

10.   Gerg and Seizinger are both downhill specialists and stand a strong chance to make up time on Gallizio who is primarily a slalom skier.