Swiss Veteran Didier Cuche Captures Opening Audi Birds Of Prey Downhill Training Run

Ten years and 57-hundredths of a second separated the top two finishers in Tuesday’s opening Audi Birds of Prey Downhill training run as 36-year-old Swiss veteran Didier Cuche posted the fastest time on the day, with 26-year-old French “youngster” in the runner-up position.

“Today was very good for me,” offered Cuche. “The course is in great shape and I could do everything I wanted to do. It was easy to be aggressive and attack.”

Another member of the “old guard”, 35-year-old Michael Walchhofer of Austria, claimed the third place spot, 66-hundredths behind Cuche. Walchhofer, who captured the World Cup Downhill in Lake Louise, Canada last weekend, has announced that this will be his final winter on the World Cup circuit.

Cuche was clocked in 1:47.80, while Theaux recorded a 1:48.37. Walchhofer stopped the clock in 1:48.46.

The opening training run in Beaver Creek was moved up to Tuesday in an effort to avoid a new storm system that is forecast for the region beginning on Wednesday. The 2010 Birds of Prey Downhill race is scheduled for Friday, December 3, at 11 a.m.

Top American finish on the day came courtesy of Bode Miller, who recorded the eighth fastest time, while teammate Steven Nyman finished in 16th position.

Defending Birds of Prey Downhill champion Carlo Janka of Switzerland was 23rd in the opener while Beaver Creek favorite Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway placed ninth.

Mother Nature will determine if Wednesday’s second training run will take place as scheduled.

Slideshow of today's finishers:

Posted in: Beaver Creek,Birds of Prey,Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week,FIS,ski racing,U.S. Ski Team,Vail Valley Foundation