Skiing: Walchhofer flying in farewell season

(GETTY IMAGES)

Austria's Michael Walchhofer added another victory to his farewell season yesterday, becoming the first skier to win the gruelling World Cup downhill on the Stelvio course three times.

Walchhofer, who has already announced he will retire at the end of this season, clocked 1 minute, 59.66 on the circuit's most physically demanding layout for his third victory this season and the 18th of his career.

"Winning three times on this difficult slope – maybe the most technical course on the circuit – really means a lot to me," Walchhofer said. "It's a perfect start to the season."

Silvan Zurbriggen of Switzerland was the only other skier to break two minutes, finishing a mere 0.08 seconds behind in second. Christof Innerhofer of Italy was third, 0.36 back. Bode Miller finished eighth, matching his best result this season.