Resi Stiegler always closer to the podium

Manuèle Lang 13.11.2007 17:02 Uhr

For the third time in her career, USA’s Resi Stiegler came in 4th in a World Cup competition, missing her first podium by only a few hundredths of a second. At Reiteralm, Austria, the two-time US Champion was only 11/100 away from 3rd place after clocking the 5th best time inthe first run.

“It has been quite a battle today, I got gusts of wind in the upper part of the second run, but I fought harder in the lower part,” Resi said with a grin after the race. “It was fun to just have my first slalom race and be this fast,” added the Dynastar champion. “To feel that I was so close to the podium was really good. Next time hopefully.¨”

Stiegler, who started the season with a strong 15th place in giant slalom at Soelden, enjoyed the new fresh snow laying on the slopes near the race track. She took some time to powerski a while prior the race. “It was nice, we haven't had such an opportunity for a long time on the World Cup tour,” she added.

“So far I’m please by my first races. My giant slalom last month was pretty solid, and my slalom is too. I was consistent today. It’s great to see that you’ve trained well all summer and that there is a result. I was a little nervous this morning and I was wondering where I’ll be. It’s really cool to have all the good answers now!”

“My plans now are to go home and have a little break to celebrate my birthday with my friends and be ready for Aspen.” Resi also said. “Hopefully I can ski the speed discipline, I’m thinking at the Super-G. Maybe my first podium will be in the US, which will be pretty cool!”

Resi Stiegler, almost a veteran now on the US team, will turn 22 on Nov.14th. The American, also nicknamed “Tiger” by her friends, competes since December 2002 on the World Cup circuit after finishing 11th at Lenzerheide despites a high start-number. She clinched the US slalom and giant slalom titles last spring in Alaska.