Workers struggled to clear the course to have it ready for today's competition, but with eight centimetres of snow falling overnight, the competition was forced to be cancelled.

Organisers were in discussions over re-organising the race.

As that was not posisble, Vonn took the title having won one of the two previous World Cup super combined events this season, the International Ski Federation announced.

She finished 45 points clear of Tina Maze and Nicole Hosp, and is also in contention for the Super G and and Giant Slalom titles, as well as leading the overall World Cup rankings.

Vonn also clinched yesterday's downhill title after finishing third in a race won by Maria Hoefl-Riesch.

The American was disappointed not to have the chance to race though despite being awarded what was her third successive super combined World Cup title.



"You never want to have a [title] clinched with a cancelled race," said Vonn (pictured).

"I had it happen to me last year at the finals for the overall globe, and I've won a super-combined title before in this way in Crans Montana.

"We felt it was not safe enough and we gave it some time.

"There was progress but the snow was like sand and an endless pit of nothing.

"There was no surface and it is not safe enough to race and I'm happy with the decision because safety is the most important thing.

"I'm all for another race, just not for dangerous races."

The cancellation also meant a premature end to the weekend's action at the Sochi 2014 test event, after the women's World Cup began there yesterday, following the men's competitions last week.

It was a disappointing way to end what had been a successful week for Sochi 2014 organisers, having impressed officials and players alike – but the weather was one element they were unable to control.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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