Bormio: Women's GS, men's SL on tap at Finals

BORMIO, Italy — The last individual races of the season take place Saturday at the World Cup Finals. The first run of the men’s slalom is scheduled for 9 a.m. local time, with the women’s giant slalom first run to follow at 10 a.m. The day dawned clear and cool, and skiers were on the course early inspecting under the lights, as they waited for the sun to crest the ridge behind the Stelvio course.
    With 512 points, Jean-Baptiste Grange of France leads the three skiers who are still in the running for the slalom title. Just 21 points back at 491 is Italy’s Manfred Moelgg, with Austria’s Mario Matt in third, at 427. Ted Ligety of the U.S., who was crowned giant slalom World Cup champ on Friday, leads the American squad into today’s race. Ligety is ranked ninth, with 274 points. Also competing for the U.S. are Jimmy Cochran (21st) and Bode Miller (29th), who officially clinched the World Cup overall on Friday.
    Denise Karbon of Italy wrapped up the women’s GS title more than a month ago, with her fifth win of the season, out of six races, at Ofterschwang, Germany. She has 560 points. In second is Elisabeth Goergl of Austria, with 379. Julia Mancuso of the U.S. will try to move up to third in the standings. She trails Manuela Moelgg of Italy by just 26 points going into the final race. Also competing for the U.S. are the recently crowned overall champ Lindsey Kildow, who could cement a place in the World Cup’s first seed for next season with a good result.