Austria's Michaela Dorfmeister was confident going into the first race at Sestrière, in Italy. It was the third GS of the season and because she won the third GS of the season last year and felt even stronger this year, it was obvious to her that she would win.

In fact at the end of the day, she beat by 83/100 Sweden's baby star Anja Paerson and by 87/100 last winter's winner Sonja Nef. Germany's Martina Ertl, the first winner of the season, was a solid 4th - which reinforced her lead in the overall World Cup standings.

"I told myself that I was in good shape."

"I told myself that I was in good shape, that I had a good season start with my early win at Aspen and that I'd have to make the best out of this occasion," Dorfmeister said from the finish. "It's a good hill for me. I liked it last March when I came in 3rd. I as lucky enough to find an excellent rhythm on the first flat section which gave me great momentum for the steeper intermediate section."

Also impressive was Croatia's Janica Kostelic, 5th without seeming to try too hard. She was happy to ski for the first time a GS run designed by her father, Ante, and this was her best result in GS in a long time. Her rivals think she is so strong that she just needs to have two smooth runs in the slalom on Sunday and she'll win her third consecutive race of the season and her career fifth in the slalom.

Kristina Koznick was the best US skier, landing in 20th place. Sarah Schleper was behind her - in 27th position.

Dorfmeister is a strong woman and her 150 pounds help her to grip well on hard snow, allowing her to best use her excellent technique. No other female on the tour can accelerate out of a difficult turn as impressively as "Dorfi." Her great confidence and precise timing are also indispensable to her in these remarkable performances.

A very sensitive yet outgoing racer who likes to express her joy in spectacular ways - such as somersaulting in the finish area - Dorfmeister is very difficult to beat when she's on a roll.

"It was important for me to win again a GS because it will help me to better prepare for the rest of the season and the Worlds at St. Anton. It's good to feel able to win in two events. This season's overall World Cup will be quite tough to clinch if Ertl continues to accumulate points in all events. But I aim more for the GS Cup."

The actual leader in the intermediate standings of that classification is Sweden's Paerson, twice 3rd and now 2nd. The former four-time junior World Champion gave what she had in her to win her first race of the season.

"Michaela had an impressive second run. I didn't believe she could ski that well again," Paerson said. "But at least I handled the pressure well. Last year I led the slalom after the first run but I only came in 4th because of my nerves. I'm stronger now."

She hopes to prove it again in the slalom. Kostelic is of course the skier to beat. Spela Pretnar, Christel Saioni , Kristina Koznick and Martina Ertl will also be in contention.

— Patrick Lang, World Cup Correspondent

Email this story to a friend