By USSA

SCHLADMING, Austria — The U.S. narrowly missed the medals Sunday in the women’s downhill at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships. Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley) was 0.15 out of the prizes in fifth, with Stacey Cook (Mammoth Mountain) sixth.

In an aggressive race that saw higher speeds than training, the twisty, turny Schladming S turn midway down the course took its toll on U.S. racers as France’s Marion Rolland took the surprise gold.

Julia Mancuso

Mancuso and Cook were dominating their runs up to the midway point where a series of turns through the Schladming S slowed them down.

“I don’t know where I lost it – I’m a little frustrated right now. I want to talk to my coaches to find out where all that time went,” Cook said.

Leanne Smith (N. Conway, N.H.) was 12th with Alice McKennis (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) 17th.