Lindsey Vonn claims another downhill podium, taking third in Italy

It is now six podiums in seven races for Lindsey Vonn after she finished in third place Saturday in a World Cup downhill at Tarvisio, Italy.

That also marked Vonn’s fifth consecutive top-three finish overall.

Nicol Delago of Italy was first with a time of 1:46.28, and Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann finished in second place at +0.20. Vonn, 41, was third at +0.26.

“Today I’m surprised that I’m on the podium, but in general, that was the plan,” Vonn told NBC. “I work hard for a reason. I don’t come here to participate. I come here to ski fast. I think everyone questioned my intentions last year. I don’t think they’re questioning them now, but I knew what was coming.”

If recent success hadn’t been a predictor, history might have been.

Vonn won the last time the event was staged at Tarvisio, as a 24-year-old in 2011.

She’s expected to compete in the super-G on Sunday, as she seeks her 85th World Cup win.

Several other Americans performed well on Saturday.

Breezy Johnson, the defending downhill champ, finished in sixth, putting her in strong standing to make the Olympic team. Jackie Wiles is in a similarly strong position after her 13th place showing.

Allison Mollin continued to improve her standing in every race, rising to 19th on Saturday. Haley Cutler (23rd), Bella Wright (29th) and Keely Cashman (43rd) rounded out the American group.

–Field Level Media