CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — Austrian veteran Benjamin Raich got his first World Cup victory in more than two years Saturday, winning a super-G while favorite Didier Cuche finished third.
“I never gave up and that is very important, if you are a sportsman or in life,” Raich said.
Raich’s technical skills were on display despite a serious knee injury one year ago, mastering a tough middle section as he was timed in 1 minute, 34.37 seconds. Adrien Theaux of France was runner-up, 0.24 seconds back, and Cuche trailed Raich by 0.36.
“After my accident last year and my injury, and after the two years without victory, it’s great,” Raich said. “I was sure that it was possible, but you never know. I worked really hard.”
Bode Miller was sidelined for a second straight day, resting his left knee after undergoing minor knee surgery in the United States this week.
Raich’s 36th World Cup victory, sixth on the all-time list ahead of Miller, was his first in super-G.
