Lindsey Vonn ‘confident’ after practice run in Solden

Though Vonn had expected her comeback from a series of injury problems in December, she said she took the decision to make an earlier start to her season to capitalise on a number of her competitors being ruled out by injury.

Speaking exclusively to Eurosport, Vonn said: "I saw that a lot of the girls were injured and there was a big opportunity to get a good starting position leading in to the Olympics, and that’s really my focus this season.”

The event marks Vonn’s earliest season start since her recent spate of injuries, dating back to February 2013, and the 33-year-old said she was glad to be back in Solden.

She said: “It feels good to be training with everyone and to have the World Cup team back together, and to be in Solden after not racing here for so long. I’m trying to get the feeling and timing on the slope and not do too much so I can save my legs for tomorrow.

“The challenge is maintaining your speed on the pitch and then accelerating on to the flats. I have the acceleration on the flats down pretty well I just have to ski solid on the pitch so that’s what I’ll be working on.”

After her practice run, Vonn said she felt “confident” about her prospects in the competition.

"I think my Giant Slalom is solid,” she said. “I don’t know if it is super-fast but it’s solid and right now that is all I need to do. I still have a lot of training left in November, before we get to Lake Louise and the rest of the season, and ultimately the Olympics, but for right now I’m happy with where I am at.

"I’m actually pretty confident. I skied pretty well today and I’m happy with where I am for only a couple of days of training in the last few weeks so it’s not too bad.”