Maier happy with 16th
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ByEurosport
Published 26/10/2003 at 17:06 GMT
Three years ago the sight of Hermann Maier smiling despite finishing way off the pace would have been unthinkable. But the triple World Cup champion, undefeated in Sölden in his best years, was incredibly relaxed after a modest 16th in the opening giant slalom race of the Alpine ski season on Sunday.
The Austrian has changed since he suffered horrific leg injuries in a motorcycle accident in August 2001 -- an incident that almost ended his career.
"I aimed for a top-15 place so this is OK," he said. "I scored my first World Cup point in giant slalom since March 2001 despite starting in 26th position.
"It was a nice experience, I really like the way the crowd supported me even though I know I'm still far beyond my best form in giant slalom.
"I feel more comfortable in the speed events and I hope to prove it in Canada in five weeks."
Maier made a sensational return to the sport last season when he won a World Cup super-G in Kitzbuehel in January and then a silver medal in the same discipline at the world championships behind great rival Stephan Eberharter.
He ended last season early for further surgery on his reconstructed right leg and admits he is unlikely to ever dominate the sport again.
"I still can't ski as aggressively as in the good old days," he said. "But the season is long and I have learned to be patient. I know that my best years are over but I believe that I can still win races and have fun."
He may not have been winning but the loudest cheers of the day from the 15,000 crowd were reserved for the 30-year-old former bricklayer, while he was surrounded by TV cameras and reporters at the foot of the Rettenbach slope.
"It was interesting to observe the scene and see how the other skiers handled the difficulties of this demanding slope," said the winner of 41 World Cup races and various gold medals.
"I don't mind this for the moment, but it should not become a habit. I'm still out there to win races."
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