Grange Wins First Race at Ski World Cup in Bulgaria's Bansko

Jean-Baptiste Grange of France in action during the slalom run of the men's Super Combined World Cup ski race in Bansko, Bulgaria, 26 February 2011.

The first starts of the men's alpine ski World Cup 2011 were launched in Bansko Saturday morning, setting the first time a skiing competion of this caliber has been held in Bulgaria.

The first race was in the super combination slalom, and was won by world slalom champion Jean-Baptiste Grange from France with 59.52 sec.

Second was German Felix Neureuther who lagged 0.28 sec behind, followed by Italian Manfred M?lgg, and Croatian Ivica Kosteli?, who for the time being is leading the race to the World Cup.

In the afternoon, the Super G slalom race is schedules. Tribunes are crowded with a 6000-strong excited audience.

Saturday morning it was snowing in Bansko, but workers are doing their best to maintain excellent conditions for the race.

Friday night the alpine ski World Cup was opened with a special galla attended by four Bulgarian cabinet ministers.

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