History Happened Here
STARTHOUSE

SOELDEN — Every once in a while an event unfolds into a memorable classic. For the U.S. Ski Team, the World Cup Opener here in Austria was such an event. Brilliance belonged not only to the golden larches this fall weekend, but also to Lindsey Vonn and Ted Ligety.

As the World Champion in giant slalom and a frequent podium finisher at this race, Ted Ligety had never reached the top step. Putting together two excellent runs, the affable racer proved once again that he is more than well deserving of his championship status and his three overall World Cup giant slalom titles.

As sweet as Ligety’s victory was, Lindsey Vonn’s first giant slalom win was an emotional high for herself, her coaches and fans. Skiing with tactical brilliance, the displaced overall World Cup champion made two dazzling runs down the mentally and physically challenging Rettenbach glacier piste. Her victory was stunning — and completely unexpected. “If you had told me Lindsey was going to win here,” said her husband, Thomas Vonn, grinning as he took in the post-race euphoria, “I would have laughed.” But Vonn did not just win a race. She achieved a milestone that only four other women in the history of World Cup have reached: a victory in every alpine discipline. Vonn has joined a very exclusive group of racers: Pernilla Wiberg and Anja Paerson of Sweden; Petra Kronberger of Austria; and Janica Kostelic of Croatia. (Bode Miller is one of five men to have won at least one World Cup race in all five disciplines.) Undoubtedly the superstar will achieve many other statistical milestones but being around for this one was very special for all who care about the sport.

Eric Williams, now in his fourth year of covering ski sport for this magazine, was on his
first trip to Soelden to cover the 14th glacier race — and what a trip it turned out to be.
You can read his article on this stunning start of the World Cup season on page 23.
Beside the amazing victories the other news from Soelden is that the new ski dimen-
sions will go into effect despite the concerns of many and the opposition by virtually all
male World Cup racers who were allowed to speak on the subject. The story about the
outspoken criticism from most racers, save those who ski on Atomic, is found on page
7. Ski Racing also has written an editorial regarding the decision, on page 5.
This issue is full of other great fall features. Hank McKee writes about the new training
center at Copper, Warner Nickerson and the men’s performances at Soelden. Dave
Peszek spent time with Ernie Rimer, seeking out what clubs and programs could do to
enhance their strength and conditioning programs. The editors also review the cross
country, jumping and nordic combined teams for the upcoming season. Bryce Hub-
ner caught up with pipe sensation Jen Hudak. She discusses how much the Olympic
Winter Games will affect the freeskiing program and how the open series needs to
integrate with the FIS program.

SALES/MARKETING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

NANCY MERRILL

SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

CLAIRE ABBE

ART

ART DIRECTOR

RAND PAUL

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JONATHAN SELKOWITZ JULIE SHIPMAN

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SARAH TUFF

SENIOR EDITOR

HANK MCKEE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ERIC WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTORS

EMILY COOK PETER Q. GRAVES BRYCE HUBNER BILL MCCOLLOM DAVE PESZEK

SKI RACING
INTERNATIONAL, LLC
CHAIRMAN/CEO
GARY BLACK JR.
CONTROLLER
ADELE SAVARIA

SUBSCRIBER SERVICE: For the fastest
service, visit us online at
skiracing.com and click on the subscriber
services button, or write: Ski Racing, P. O. Box
65467, Salt Lake City, UT 84165. For back issues
and special requests, please call 801-364-4442.

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: P. O. Box
65467, Salt Lake City, UT 84165. Submissions
must be accompanied by a self-addressed,
stamped envelope.
Ski Racing is not responsible for unsolicited
material.

Ski Racing (ISSN 0037-6213) (USPS 014-521), a publication of Ski Racing International, LLC, P. O. Box 65467, Salt Lake City, UT 84165, published monthly in September, October, November, December and twice in Jan., Feb., Mar. and April for a total of 12 issues. Annual subscription $24, Canada remit $47.98 in U.S. funds (includes GST); all other international air mail $72.98 in U.S. funds only. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, UT, and additional mailing offices. Canada Post International Publications Mail Agreement #40010538. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Express Messenger International, P.O. Box 25058 London BRC, Ontario, Canada N6C GA8