Grange wins opening slalom

The 2009 slalom World Cup winner, who shared the podium with two Olympic medallists, said his enforced absence had strengthened his resolve.

"I'm stronger than before," the Frenchman said after his seventh career victory. "When you're out of action, recovering from an injury, you have time to think things over and the urge to ski is even stronger. I'm much more motivated now than I was in the past."

With a combined time of one minute 46.64 seconds, Grange beat Vancouver bronze medallist Andre Myhrer of Sweden by 0.33 seconds while Croatian Ivica Kostelic, who took the silver at the Winter Games, was third, 0.97 adrift.

The result may fuel some regrets for the Frenchman about missing the Vancouver Olympics after he suffered a knee injury in Beaver Creek in December 2009.

Grange, who hopes to claim back the World Cup won in his absence by Austrian Reinfried Herbst, got rid of any nervousness about his return with a good time in the aborted giant slalom in Soelden last month.

On Sunday, he wore bib number seven, a number which brought him luck when he won on the same piste two years ago.

When he easily dominated the morning run, with a 0.4-second lead over Italian Christian Deville, his confidence increased.

Every time he has skied the fastest first leg of a slalom, the Frenchman has gone on to win the race.

"I was relaxed, I was not looking for anything special, just to get my sensations back, and they came back quicker than I thought," Grange said. "I feel more focused, less frail than in the past."

Kostelic, who has endured countless injury lay-offs in his long career, said he was not surprised by Grange's spectacular recovery.

"I know what it's like because I've been there. When you're injured, you have plenty of time to prepare mentally, to adjust details and to work on your basic strengths.

"You often return stronger. With Grange back, it's going to be an exciting battle all season," said the 31-year-old Croatian.

Even Herbst, who failed to finish the morning run like team mates Benni Raich and Marcel Hirscher, said it was good to see his arch-rival back on form.

"I've had my share of injuries myself and I know what it takes to make it back," he said.

The World Cup now moves to North America for the first speed events.