Zurbriggen’s ‘Full-Scale Attack’ on Swiss Slopes Is a Smashing Success

Pirmin Zurbriggen, upset in two previous races, mounted what he said was “a full-scale attack” to beat archrival Marc Girardelli for the gold medal Monday in the inaugural Super-G of the Alpine Ski World Championships.

“Now I am a happy man,” Zurbriggen said after avenging his surprise defeat by Girardelli in the combined.

It was the third medal for the 23-year-old Swiss ski idol, who won silver medals in the downhill and the combined but lost his world titles in both events.

Zurbriggen was slow out of the gate in the super giant slalom race but soon regained his pace and was 0.55 seconds faster than Girardelli at the intermediate timing.

He zoomed through the 43 gates on the 1,553-meter Chetzeron course in 1 minute 19.93 seconds, nearly a second faster than Girardelli.

Girardelli, Austrian-born but competing for Luxembourg, was first on the course and set a blistering pace, which remained unbeatable for all except Zurbriggen. Girardelli took the silver medal in 1:20.80.

Markus Wasmeier of West Germany, one of the pre-race favorites, nearly lost his balance and had to settle for the bronze with a time of 1:21.08. He later complained about course conditions.

Zurbriggen came to the championships hoping to defend his downhill and combined titles and add an unprecedented two more, in the Super-G and the giant slalom.

He first lost the downhill to veteran teammate Peter Mueller on Saturday, then was edged by Girardelli in the combined after Sunday’s downhill portion.

“I think now I can have a real party,” said Zurbriggen, whose victory was wildly celebrated by his home fans, who unfurled large banners, blew horns and banged cow bells as he crossed the finish line.

“I no longer feel pressure on me, so I feel I can do very well in the coming races,” Zurbriggen said. “The two silver medals made me relaxed and there was only one thing to do--make a full-scale attack.”

Girardelli said the pain in his injured left shoulder had eased and did not trouble him. He had dislocated his shoulder three times this season.

After Sunday’s race, he received treatment from his Austrian-based Egyptian therapist.

“I didn’t feel handicapped today,” Girardelli said. “My performance was good and I think I couldn’t have gone faster.”