Worlds: Kostelic leaves town for back treatment

Croatian ski federation general manager Vedran Pavlek has reported Ivica Kostelic, the leader of the World Cup overall standings, has left Val d’Isere, the host for the 2009 FIS World Ski Championships.

Croatian ski federation general manager Vedran Pavlek has reported Ivica Kostelic, the leader of the World Cup overall standings, has left Val d’Isere, the host for the 2009 FIS World Ski Championships.

Kostelic, Pavlek reports, is headed for Croatia accompanied by Dr. Bozidor Egic and will seek treatment for his back at the rehabilitation center of Daruvarske Toplice.

Pavlek said Kostelic was leaving the door open to possibly return to Val d’Isere in time to compete in the slalom scheduled Sunday, Feb. 15.