KITZBUEHEL, Austria — Didier Cuche, 36, of Switzerland became the oldest man to win a World Cup race Saturday, claiming a downhill on the famed Streif course.
American star Bode Miller finished second.
Cuche broke Marco Buechel’s record by 85 days. The Liechtenstein skier was 36 years, 74 days old when he won his last race, a super-G in Kitzbuehel in 2008.
“It was not really a real goal I was looking for, but I am proud to make it here,” Cuche said.
Cuche was nearly flawless on the lower portion to finish the run in 1 minute, 57.72 seconds. Miller was 0.98 of a second back. Adrien Theaux of France finished third.
Cuche almost lost his right pole at the start and was not clean in the first turn, but never held back from charging before the capacity crowd of 45,000.
Miller, who also finished runner-up to Cuche in 2008, said he was satisfied with his performance and praised the winner.
“I skied really well today, but there was no chance to take Cuche when he’s skiing like that,” Miller said. “He’s got this hill figured out.”
Vail’s Vonn finishes third
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn missed a turn and nearly crashed, handing a downhill victory to overall World Cup leader Maria Riesch.
Riesch had an error-free run and clocked 1 minute, 39.30 seconds for her fourth win this season. Julia Man- cuso finished second, 0.91 of a second behind. Vonn settled for third, 1.00 back.
“To know I can make a mistake like that and still be on the podium says a lot,” Vonn said.
