NEWS ALPINE RACE CODE

Nicole Hosp is back on the podium!

There was something of an earth tremor last weekend in Engadin. And it was triggered by the weight that came off the shoulders of Niki Hosp (AUT). The Fischer athlete was successful twice in St. Moritz (SUI), clinching third place both times in the Super Combined on Friday and Sunday. Two results and a boost of confidence: "I was beginning to have doubts after what has been a disappointing season so far. But now I think I'm almost back to my old self," says a delighted Hosp.

Kostelić wins Hahnenkamm and now leading in World Cup

Ivica Kostelić obviously recovered well from his bad crash on the Kitzbüheler Streif run during Wednesday's training. The Croatian picked up 160 World Cup points today and also received the World Cup leader's jersey. Victory in the classic combined event and third place in the Slalom – the machinery of success has started up again and Kostelić has his sights firmly set on the overall World Cup title.

Third Wengen victory in succession

Ivica Kostelić's victory in Wengen has earned him a place in the history books. After winning the Slaloms in 2002, 2010 and 2011 this was his third victory in a row here. He left his opponents trailing – 85 hundredths of a second behind him – and enjoyed his place in the sun: "It's an incredible feeling, I can't describe it! Wengen has always been my favourite course and there's no changing that," said a very happy Kostelić in the finish area.

Two tenths of a second meant victory for Ivica Kostelić. Thanks to a phenomenal run in the Slalom the Croatian was able to defend his title in the Super Combined event in Wengen. He also added 100 points to his overall World Cup tally at the same time. "I skied the Slalom of my life," said Kostelić in the finish area, visibly moved by the whole experience. After the Downhill race he thought his chances of victory had disappeared: "If you're three seconds behind, that's normally too much!"

"Usually Alpe d’Huez is not my favourite place. But it will now always be the place where I got my first podium!" More than happy, Andrea Limbacher was smiling about her triumph in yesterday's Skicross World Cup. It took her two years to finally break the hex. The Austrian was able to demonstrate her talent at the race in France. Happily she congratulated brand colleague Conradign Netzer (SUI) who finished the race fifth.

After clinching victory in last year's Slalom in Adelboden (SUI), Ivica Kostelić (CRO) was visibly satisfied with second place this year. Beaten only by the outstanding Austrian Marcel Hirscher. In what was a very close race and difficult conditions it was once again the top athletes who coped best with a piste that stretched them to the limit.

Fifth World Cup Slalom in Zagreb, fourth podium finish for local hero Ivica Kostelić. Third place may not have been the victory he was hoping for in his home race but Kostelić was still very satisfied with his result. "To win a race this season you have to beat three or four exceptional athletes. And that's by no means easy," says Fischer's figurehead.