Bode Miller leads after downhill run of World Cup super-combi, seeking first win since 2008

Bode Miller leads in 1st run of WCup super-combi

WENGEN, Switzerland — Bode Miller led after the opening downhill run of a World Cup super-combined event Friday on the Lauberhorn course.

The American finished in 1 minute, 46.91 seconds over a shortened version of the classic downhill piste that will be raced Saturday.

“I made some big mistakes,” Miller said. “I could have been another second faster than I did.”

Pre-race favorite Carlo Janka of Switzerland was second, with 0.69 seconds to make up in the afternoon slalom run. Dominik Paris of Italy was third, trailing Miller by 0.85.

Didier Cuche of Switzerland was seventh, 1.59 back, and super-combi world champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway placed ninth, trailing by 1.70.

The 32-year-old Miller, who is seeking his first World Cup victory since winning a downhill in Kvitfjell, Norway, in March 2008, last finished on the podium when he was the runner-up in the Lauberhorn downhill exactly one year ago.

His best result this season is fourth in the downhill in Beaver Creek, Colo., last month. One week later, he was fifth in the super-combi at Val d’Isere, France.

Miller has been searching for full race fitness after missing much of the offseason while he considered retiring. He also has been slowed by a right ankle injury sustained in a U.S. Ski Team volleyball match in Val d’Isere.

Miller said the setup of his boots and skis in slalom meant he had the least pain when skiing aggressively.

“I’m going to go for it (in the second run),” he said. “I can’t really take it easy.”

Janka is defending his title in the Wengen super-combi and also won the event in Beaver Creek.

Michael Walchhofer of Austria, the World Cup downhill champion, almost crashed out when his left hip hit the snow after posting the fastest first time split.

“I hit a bump but it was not too fast,” said Walchhofer, who later had his left thumb taped. “There will be no problem for (Saturday).”