L a t e s t  n e w s ..... Heel wins Super G in Val Gardena with Defago and Jaerbyn on the podium ... Paerson wins Super combined from Hosp and Suter ... Walchhofer retains King of the Hill in Downhill, Miller 2 and Osborne Paradis 3 ... Gut wins Super G in St Moritz from Suter and Fanchini

'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' (Eleanor Roosevelt).

Alcott speeds up down World Championship course

Chemmy Alcott improved significantly to finish 19^th in the Alpine skiing World Cup Downhill in Santa Catarina, following a disappointing run on Thursday.  Had it not been for two errors on the lower section of the course this result would have been more impressive.

A slightly later start number than the previous day and faster conditions allowed Alcott to attack the course in the fashion she did last year. Disappointment with the previous days result, that had seen her trail in 41^st having started number 1, Alcott significantly raised her game.  With the knowledge that the previous race was a blip of a result, Alcott used the experience to good use.  Up to the half way point the 22 year old held a lead over the early leader, Hargin of Sweden, but a heavy landing and then momentarily losing control of a ski on the flat section leading to the finish, lost her valuable time.

“This was much better today,” reflected Alcott after the race.  “I was not happy with things after yesterday so came out all guns fighting,” she enthused.  This was certainly a much better performance and with other racers not coping with the quicker course as well as Alcott, gives real promise for the World Championships that will be held down the same course next month.

Having suffered for much of the early season races with foot problems, the fight for fitness is geared to the World Championships.  Restricted entries from the main alpine nations means that Alcott will be starting up with the best in the world, something that is not lost on Alcott.  With the experience of three World Championships and an Olympic Games behind her, Alcott knows she has the ability and equipment to deliver.

With two Downhill’s scheduled for next week in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alcott is coming into form at just the right time for the World Championships.  Last year in Cortina Alcott took an incredible ninth place in the Downhill.

The race was won by Ingrid Jacquemod of France, her first world cup win, ahead of Renate Goetschl and Carole Montillet.  Janica Kostelic was placed equal fifth to score valuable points towards the overall title.  Anja Paerson and Tina Maze took the opportunity to rest with the knowledge that two more races, a Slalom and Giant Slalom, follow these two downhills.

1. Ingrid Jacquemod (FRA)                     1.40.29
2. Renate Goetschl (AUT)                       1.40.40
3. Carole Montillet (FRA)                        1.40.41

 19 Chemmy Alcott (GBR)                     1.41.69