Defago wins in Bormio

29th December 2011, by Chris Gill

Bormio, Italy

Vancouver Olympic champion Didier Defago has claimed the world cup downhill title in Bormio, Italy, after a near-flawless run on the tricky course.

It was only the fourth world cup win of the Swiss downhiller’s career, having previously taken Olympic gold and winning classic races in Wengen and Kitzbühel three years ago. And Defago was returning from injury, following ruptured knee ligaments last season.

The Bormio course is a notoriously difficult one on the circuit, known to be bumpy and long. Race day was overcast. But Defago maintained his composure and clocked a time of 2 minutes 1.81 seconds, beating his team mate Patrick Kueng. Austria’s Klaus Kroell was third and Canada’s Eric Guay fourth.

Defago said, “I’ve been waiting for this race since the start of the season. I like this course and it suits my style. I knew I could do well.” He won from an early starting position, with favourites such as Didier Cuche and Bode Miller unable to top his time. Miller, a consistent winner in Bormio came fifth, but is still leading the overall downhill standings. Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway was sixth, and is the overall World Cup leader at present.

• racing
• bormio
• defago

Back to news