Vonn returns to podium

By USSA

CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn (Vail) climbed back on the top step of the podium Saturday winning the Cortina downhill, with teammate Leanne Smith (N. Conway, N.H.) third – her second podium of the season.

It was the 58th career Audi FIS Alpine World Cup win for Vonn – fifth of the season – and left four Americans in the top six in the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill standings.

Super G is on tap for Sunday in Cortina.

Despite missing a large number of races due to illness this season, Vonn still stands fourth in the World Cup overall standings, leading three Americans into the top 10.

Vonn continues to lead to World Cup downhill standings, with Stacey Cook (Mammoth Mountain) second, Alice McKennis (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) fourth and Smith sixth.

In the final World Cup downhill before the World Championships, Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley) was ninth, McKennis 11th, Cook 15th and Laurenne Ross (Bend, Ore.) 27th.