Grange shocked after clinching world title

BySportsbeat

Published 16/02/2015 at 10:44 GMT

Jean-Baptiste Grange admits he was surprised to clinch the slalom title at the World Ski Championship in Beaver Creek after coming from behind to take victory.

Eurosport

Image credit: Eurosport

Grange found himself back in fifth place after the first run in Colorado but produced the fastest second-run of the day to take the crown.

Defending champion Marcel Hirscher was ahead after the first run and led Russia's Alexander Khoroshilov by 0.28 seconds and Sweden's Andre Myhrer by 0.66 seconds.

But none of the top three were able to hold onto their medal positions in the second run as Grange came through in 53.21 seconds for a combined time of 1:57.47.

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And there was a German two-three at the end of the day as Fritz Dopfer took second with 1:57.82 and Felix Neureuther third in 1:58.02.

"I really didn't expect it considering I wasn't in the top 20 in last World Cup slalom races," said Grange.

"It is a wonderful gift for all the efforts over the last four years, after many injuries, bad bib numbers and no confidence sometimes.

"At big events, there is always a lot of stress and pressure. And the feeling isn't always good, but you have to believe in you. I don't know but I guess today was my day. It's just a dream."

� Sportsbeat 2015

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