Alexandra Meissnitzer, a former Austrian World Cup champion said Austrians now envy the less-rigid U.S. approach.

WSJ: Skiing: Is America the New Austria? Lindsey Vonn,

The Austrian, the 2000 overall World Cup champion, had the best training time on Sunday.

BBC: Downhill delay 'the right decision'

He finished 0.01 seconds ahead of fourth-placed Austrian Klaus Kroll, who was the World Cup downhill champion last season.

CNN: 'Crazy' dead heat in World Cup ski race

Maze's 22nd World Cup podium pulled her level with Austrian legend Hermann Maier, having already broken her points record in a season.

CNN: Hirscher secures maiden World Cup slalom crown

Austrian Nici Pederzolli, who grabbed a wild card berth due to her place atop the World Cup standings this season, failed to make an impact and finished seventh.

BBC: Clark seals gold for US