Austrian Soldier Steals Spotlight in Slalom Event

Stefan Eberharter, an Austrian soldier virtually unknown a week ago, stole the spotlight and the men’s combined event from Marc Girardelli today for his second world title in eight days.

The 21-year-old Eberharter, who won the super-giant slalom in his first major race last week, had the fastest slalom time today to win the combined crown and dethrone Girardelli.

Girardelli, two-time defending world champion in the combined event, fell near the bottom of the second slalom run as he tried to make up a deficit to Eberharter.

“Slalom is my favorite event,” said Eberharter, who played the accordion to relax between two slalom runs. “It’s intense. I like the contact with the gates.”