Lenzerheide, Switzerland – Vail, Colo.’s Lindsey Vonn lost an opportunity to fight for an American record fourth consecutive Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall title over the weekend when the final race of the 2011 season was canceled due to an insufficiently solid racing base.nGermany’s Maria Riesch was handed the first overall title of her career by three points after regaining the lead in Friday’s slalom to ultimately close one of the most exciting seasons in World Cup history, the closest women’s overall battle since 2005.
In just three weeks Vonn was able to climb back into the title hunt from a daunting 216 point deficit that was reached on March, 25 following the Are, Sweden super combined. In the Finals opener Wednesday, Vonn took advantage of Riesch’s mistakes in the downhill to move back into the lead by 27 points before losing ground on Friday to Riesch, who pulled back into the lead by three points by finishing fourth in a slalom where Vonn’s best result placed her in 13th. When Saturday’s race was canceled, Vonn lost her chance to once again overtake Riesch.
Officials inspected the course early Saturday and made an immediate decision to cancel without trying to delay through the day in hope of improving conditions. Rain and warm temperatures plagued the races at the World Cup Finals all week. The super G, Vonn’s strongest event, was also canceled Thursday.
“Win or lose I just wanted the chance,” said Vonn. “I feel devastated. But I’m extremely proud to have been in the fight in what was one of the most exciting seasons in ski racing history.
“The cancellation of this race doesn’t just hurt me, it hurts the fans and the sport of ski racing as a whole,” Vonn added.
“I feel so sorry for Lindsey,” said U.S. Ski Team Head Coach Alex Hoedelmoser. “Just to call it in the morning wasn’t the right way to go. We should have tried everything possible to get this race off. This is a tough day for Lindsey and the sport of ski racing.”
Vonn concluded 2011 as the most decorated ski racer in American history with 12 World Cup titles and 41 victories, including defending her downhill, super G and super combined titles and capturing a World Championship silver medal in downhill.
The loss of a chance for the overall title was bittersweet for Vonn, who has long been close friends with Riesch. “Maria had an outstanding season and again proved to be my biggest competitor,” said Vonn. “She’s worked really hard for this. I’m happy for her and every athlete who stood on the top step this season.”
Final World Cup Giant Slalom Standings
1. Viktoria Rebensburg, Germany, 435
2. Tessa Worely, France, 358
3. Tanja Poutianen, Finland, 240
Final World Cup Overall Standings
1. Maria Riesch, Germany, 1,728
2. Lindsey Vonn, Vail, CO, 1,725
3. Tina Maze, Slovenia, 1,139