The China Mail - Vonn in Olympic form with another World Cup podium in Tarvisio super-G

American star Vonn finished 0.27 seconds behind Germany's Aicher to claim second after taking third in Saturday's downhill on the same piste in Italy.

The American star has re-established herself as a force in the sport at the age of 41 after coming out of retirement with a titanium knee replacement that allows her to ski pain-free.

And with less than three weeks to go until the start of the Milan-Cortina Games, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion was again impressive on one of her favourite courses.

Vonn has never missed out on the podium in Tarvisio, which made its World Cup comeback this weekend after a 15-year absence and where her tally now reads two wins, five second places and one third spot.

"It was a good race today, it was tough conditions with the visibility but I'm really happy to be on the podium again," Vonn said to Italian broadcaster RAI.

"Of course I'm close to another win but it is what it is, I think I'll save the hundredths (of seconds) for Cortina!"

Vonn, who has a commanding lead in the downhill standings, is now 10 points behind new super-G leader Sofia Goggia after the Italian speed specialist finished sixth.

Goggia had another disappointing run and finished 1.13sec behind Germany's Aicher, who held off Vonn and Ester Ledecka to claim her fourth career World Cup win and second of the season.

But the 33-year-old was helped by previous super-G leader, New Zealand's Alice Robinson, losing control after the final jump and crashing over the finish line.

A shocked Robinson was seen on the verge of tears after her accident, which left her nearly three seconds off the pace and 20 points behind Goggia.

Goggia is one of Italy's alpine skiing medal hopes at the Olympics with uncertainty over the participation of overall World Cup title holder Federica Brignone, who is also giant slalom world champion.

Brignone has not competed since suffering a double leg break in April and could well arrive at the starting gate for the Olympics without having raced a single event this winter.

She could also forgo the final Italian stage before the Games, in Kronplatz, where a giant slalom is scheduled for Tuesday.

N.Wan--ThChM