Riesch leads Mancuso in downhill training

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Maria Riesch of Germany led the opening training session Wednesday for the annual World Cup downhill in Cortina, as she looks to increase her lead in the overall standings.

Riesch clocked 1 minute, 41.67 seconds down the twisty Olympia delle Tofane course.

Olympic silver medalist Julia Mancuso of the United States was second, 0.51 seconds behind, and local hope Daniele Merighetti of Italy was third, 0.62 back.

Riesch holds a 1,023-827 lead over American rival Lindsey Vonn in the overall standings ahead of two super-G's and one downhill this weekend.

Vonn was fastest through the first checkpoint of her run, but then coasted the rest of the way and placed 29th, more than four seconds behind Riesch.