Poor Swiss showing in men’s slalom

France's Jean-Pierre Vidal celebrates his victory in Slovenia Keystone

No Swiss managed to finish the men's World Cup slalom in the top ten. Frenchman Jean-Pierre Vidal was the fastest down the Slovenian course.

Vidal won the first World Cup victory of his career, clocking a time of one minute 42.48 seconds.

“It was fantastic,” the young French racer said. “I took all the risks and I skied the top section pretty well.”

Imboden is top Swiss

Urs Imboden, who was the best-placed Swiss, finished the Kranjska Gora course in 15th position with a time of 1:44.68.

Reigning world champion, Austria’s Mario Matt, led the field after the first leg, but by the time he was halfway down the course, he had used up more than half of his 0.55 seconds advantage.

“I was a bit too round on the top half and then I was too defensive on the bottom,” Matt said.

Troublesome course

A tricky first leg wiped out two of the top race favourites.

Austrian Benjamin Raich, who took first and second place in two giant slaloms here this week, lost control a few gates from the finish.

The other favourite, American Bode Miller, also failed to finish the first leg.

Slalom standings

Matt has now taken the lead in the World Cup Slalom standings with 251 points from four races. Vidal jumped into second spot with 239 points and Croatia’s Ivica Kostelic is third with 231.

Overall standings

Austria also leads the overall standings. Stephan Eberharter is lying in top spot with 580 points. Bode Miller is in second place with 425 points while Switzerland’s speed specialist, Didier Cuche, is third with 374.

swissinfo with agencies