It was the usual picture with four Italians taking the lead on the first training day in Latsch. Martin Psenner could win both training runs, closely followed by his team-mates. But none the less title defender Robert Batkowski has been seen sneaking into the top five. Whereas in the first run he still had to settle for the fifth time (0,51 seconds behind), he finished second (0,25 seconds behind) in the second run. Even though the title defender seems to get in top condition just in time for the World Championships he will have a tough go against the Italian team with Rudi Resch (2/3), Anton Blasbichler (4/4), Patrik Pigneter (7/4), Andreas Castiglioni (3/9) und Martin Psenner (1/1).

In the women´s competition Ekatharina Lavrentjeva (RUS) is fighting against five Italian girls, one stronger than the other. Only four of them will be allowed to compete in the individual event, amazingly enough the one who already lost the qualification two weeks ago, Christa Gietl, has been fastest in the second run and fourth in the first one. She will be able to compete in the team competition, though. Her sister, Renate Gietl, who already has won this year´s overall World Cup, finished second and first. Ekatharina Lavrentjeva had to settle for the seventh time in the second run, but in the first run she was runner up behind Renate Gietl. 15-year-old Melanie Batkowski showed once more her great talents with finishing third in the second run.

Tomorrow, Friday, the day will be started with the double seater´s trainings at 9.30am and followed by the first decision, the team event. Start time will be 1pm.

Broadcasting times:

Friday, 28.01.05
RAI Bozen 20.00 h and 22.10 h
ORF Tirol 19.00 h (depending on result)
ORF 1 National 20.00 h (pending)

Saturday, 29.01.05
RAI Bozen 20.00 h und 22.10 h
ORF 1 as of 10.45 h included in Alpine Skiing WCH 10 min. summary
ORF Tirol 19.00 h

Sunday, 30.01.05
RAI Bozen 20.00 h and 22.10 h
ORF 1 as of 10.45 h
ORF Tirol 19.00 h

Next TV schedule will be published on Friday, 28.01.05