Skiing: Mayer turns the tables on `the Hermannator'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HERMANN MAIER suffered his second defeat in quick succession yesterday when his fellow Austrian, Christian Mayer, beat him in to second place in a giant slalom in Saalbach.
Mayer, an all-rounder who competes in all events except the downhill, improved on his first-leg seventh position for an overall time of 2 min 25.83 sec for the fifth victory of his career. The steep and icy Zwoelfer piste claimed many prominent victims on the second run including Austria's Stephan Eberharter and Rainer Salzgeber, fourth and fifth fastest respectively after the first run.
"It's not a bad thing to be the century's last winner and that it was on home soil makes it even more special," said Mayer.
The 26-year-old's win in the first race to be staged in Austria this winter also marked the 50th giant slalom triumph for the all-conquering Austrian men since the World Cup was founded in 1967.
Maier, who was beaten at Alta Badia by the Frenchman Joel Chenal last week, was not downhearted. "I'm happy today. It was important for me to get the points," said the 1998 World Cup champion.
His second place increased his lead in the overall standings to 840 points - 400 more than his closest rival and compatriot, Eberharter.
Benjamin Raich, at 21, the youngest member of the Austrian team, completed an all-local podium with third place.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments