Putzer claims surprise win

Putzer was 0.29 seconds quicker than Ertl

Italy's Karen Putzer stormed to a surprise victory in the World Cup Super-G at Lake Louise on Sunday.

Olympic bronze medallist Putzer won in a time of one minute and 10.68 seconds, with Martina Ertl of Germany second in 1:10.97.

Carole Montillet of France had her third podium finish of the weekend, finishing third in 1:11.13.

Olympic champion Montillet had beaten Swiss veteran Corrine Ray Bellet and Austria's Renate Goetschl in the downhill on Saturday.

Goetschl, a former overall World Cup champion, was making her racing comeback after being out of action since March with a knee injury.

Her main rival, Germany's Hilde Gerg, fell while challenging for the lead.

On Friday, Gerg had won the first women's World Cup downhill of the season.

Gerg was 0.2 seconds ahead of Montillet with America's Kirsten Clark third.

Many of the skiers made mistakes on the hard icy piste, which earlier in the week saw World Cup champion Isolde Kostner crash out in training.

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Sunday's super-G result:

1. Karen Putzer (Italy) one minute 10.68 seconds
2. Martina Ertl (Germany) 1:10.97
3. Carole Montillet (France) 1:11.13
4. Kirsten Clark (U.S.) 1:11.28
5. Michaela Dorfmeister (Austria) 1:11.42
6. Genevieve Simard (Canada) 1:11.43
7. Janica Kostelic (Croatia) 1:11.44
8. Emily Brydon (Canada) 1:11.56
9. Jonna Mendes (U.S.) 1:11.60
10. Daniela Ceccarelli (Italy) 1:11.61

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Saturday's downhill result:

1. Carole Montillet (France) one minute 33.89 seconds
2. Corinne Rey Bellet (Switzerland) 1:34.63
3. Renate Goetschl (Austria) 1:35.17
4. Michaela Dorfmeister (Austria) 1:35.23
5. Kirsten Clark (U.S.) 1:35.39
6. Sylviane Berthod (Switzerland) 1:35.44
7. Tamara Mueller (Switzerland) 1:35.54
8. Ingrid Jacquemod (France) 1:35.55
9. Janica Kostelic (Croatia) 1:35.56
10. Mojca Suhadolc (Slovenia) 1:35.60

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Friday's downhill result:

1. Hilde Gerg (Germany) one minute 33.72 seconds
2. Carole Montillet (France) 1:33.92
3. Kirsten Clark (U.S.) 1:34.05
4. Caroline Lalive (U.S.) 1:34.17
5. Alexandra Meissnitzer (Austria) 1:34.34
6. Corinne Rey Bellet (Switzerland) 1:34.43
7. Renate Goetschl (Austria) 1:34.55
8. Martina Ertl (Germany) 1:34.70
9. Jonna Mendes (U.S.) 1:34.79
10 Kathrin Wilhelm (Austria) 1:34.96
10 Mojca Suhadolc (Slovenia) 1:34.96