Flying out of the gates

Cochran and Vonn grab slalom titles

Jimmy Cochran started first - and he stayed in that position. (Joel Page/Associated Press)

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - The big winds that rearranged the race schedule - and the course - diminished yesterday so that racing finally was under way in the US Alpine National Championships.

And despite the push from younger skiers to strut their stuff in front of coaches at these intramural games, a couple of familiar veterans grabbed the opening wins in men's and women's slalom.

Jimmy Cochran, the 26-year-old technical racer from Vermont's famous ski race family, won his second straight title. The only thing that could have made it better for him would be beating friend and teammate Ted Ligety, but he is undergoing treatment for an injured hand.

On the women's course, Lindsey Vonn, the women's overall and downhill World Cup champion, won her second US slalom title and fourth national title.

Vonn, 23, said she was surprised to win a slalom because she trains so consistently in speed disciplines on the Cup tour. Still, coming from Buck Hill, Minn., where slalom is the only game in town, the moves were not hard for her to find.

Vonn finished in a combined 1 minute 26.31 seconds, nearly two seconds ahead of second-place Hailey Duke (1:28.21). Jenny Lathrop was third (1:28.42). Vonn acknowledged that she skied the course well, "even though I'm fried."

Fresh from the World Championships in Europe - via a whirlwind New York media tour and travel delays getting to Sugarloaf - Vonn was able to get in one day of crashing in front of the TV before racing again.

With her schedule and level of accomplishment, it would be easy for Vonn to skip these national races, but she believes it's her duty to give the younger, developmental American skiers a target to shoot at.

"I think Nationals are important to get the next generation fired up for racing," said Vonn.

The Competition Hill course has given Cochran plenty of challenges over the years, and yesterday's race was no different, with new snow and moderate temperatures making for a rutted course.

Cochran, who was first on the course, posted a half-second lead over teammate Cody Marshall after the first run. His second run was faster, and Cochran finished in a combined 1:26.69, more than a second ahead of Marshall (1:27.90). Tim Jitloff (1:28.16) finished third.

"Starting first was huge because I had a fresh track," said Cochran, noting that 19 racers, including his cousin, Tim Kelley, failed to finish the tough course.

Most of the World Cup veterans expressed gratitude for lower-pressure racing as the season nears an end.

"For me, the most enjoyment is racing here with my cousins and seeing Cody and Jit on the podium," said Cochran.

For Vonn, the offseason means beach time on the West Coast.

"I get about two weeks off, and then we start dry-land training," she said. "But at least when I start running, I can run on the beach. I can't wait to get some sun time on the beach."

US Ski Team officials announced that Sasha Rearick will take over as men's Alpine coach.

Rearick replaces Phil McNichol, who resigned last week after spending 10 years at the helm. McNichol is credited with leading the team to its best season in history as Bode Miller, who was not an official member of the squad, and Ligety accounted for three of six men's 2008 World Cup titles.

Rearick joined the US Ski Team coaching staff in 2002 and coached under McNichol.