A Happy Spaniard and a History-Writing Croatian in Ofterschwang

Ski2b-Redaktion 06.02.2006 11:49 Uhr

The last women’s races before the Olympic Games took place in Ofterschwang. Maria Jose Rienda-Contreras delivered impressive performances in the giant slalom. Janica Kostelic achieved a “Grand Slam” with her victory in the slalom.

2nd and 3rd Victory of the Season for Rienda-Contreras
In Ofterschwang, the action started with the Maribor (SLO) make-up race. The giant slalom was dominated by Spain’s Maria Jose Rienda-Contreras. The stylish skier achieved the best time in both runs and claimed the well-deserved victory. Rienda-Contreras also gave a winning smile at the second giant slalom. After once again putting down the fastest run in the first run, she tied for the victory with Anja Pärson, who had skied the exact same overall time. These were the second and third victories for the top Spanish skier.

”Grand Slam” for Kostelic
The two giant slaloms were followed by a slalom in Ofterschwang. There, Janica Kostelic was able to make skiing history. The Croatian already had victories in four other disciplines this season. With her Allgaeu slalom win, she accomplished the “Grand Slam.” The most recent skier to achieve such an accomplishment was Austria’s Petra Kronberger in the 1990/91 winter season. However, Anja Pärson also has a chance to accomplish this feat. The Swede is only missing a victory in the super combined.

Blieninger Suffers Major Crash
The German team suffered yet another setback at the home race in Ofterschwang. Anja Blieninger suffered a crash at the official practice for the first giant slalom. She fractured her wrist and injured the cervical spinal ligaments. Fortunately, the 24-year-old did not suffer any permanent damage. However, she will no longer be able to participate at the Olympic Games in Turin.