United States' Ted Ligety speeds down the slope during the first run of an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom, in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018.
United States' Ted Ligety speeds down the slope during the first run of an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom, in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Marco Trovati AP Photo
United States' Ted Ligety speeds down the slope during the first run of an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom, in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Marco Trovati AP Photo

Sports

Hirscher leads giant slalom, on course for 55th WCup win

By CIARAN FAHEY Associated Press

January 28, 2018 03:27 AM

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany

Marcel Hirscher is on course for his 55th World Cup victory after claiming a big lead over his main rivals in the first run of Sunday's giant slalom, the last before the Olympics.

The Austrian six-time overall champion completed the course in 1 minute, 18.64 seconds, putting the pressure on Henrik Kristoffersen, who was next to ski and finished 1.35 seconds slower.

The Norwegian is Hirscher's closest rival in both the overall and giant slalom standings. Hirscher leads both.

Ted Ligety came closest to Hirscher's time, 0.63 behind. Four years ago, the American won the last World Cup giant slalom race before the Olympics before going on to claim the Olympic title

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Alexis Pinturault of France was next, 0.94 behind Hirscher. Hirscher (7) and Pinturault (3) have won the last 10 men's World Cup giant slalom races.

Manuel Feller and Loic Meillard are 0.98 and 1.01 behind, respectively.

Hirscher, who broke his ankle in the offseason and missed his entire preparation period, would overtake Austrian great Hermann Maier's career total if he wins. Only Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark (86) has won more races.