Fanchini fastest first

Canada's Kelly Vanderbeek, hoping to build on the momentum from a double podium finish by the Canadian men on the same mountain last weekend, was second quickest in 1:54.48.

The all-conquering Austrians, who have swept to victory in all three women's races this season, looked to extend their domination in the Canadian Rockies by posting the next four best times, led by veteran Renate Goetschl.

Goetschl, four times a winner at Lake Louise with a pair of victories in the downhill wins and two more in the super-G, sent an ominous warning by clocking the third best effort of 1:54.73 then saying she was forced to go slow because of a sore knee.

"I had some pain in my knee because of the cold so I did not take any risks today," said Goetschl, whose resume includes an incredible 10 podium finishes at Lake Louise.

Andrea Fischbacher, second in the super-G last year, had the fourth best time followed by team-mates Karin Blaser and Alexandra Meissnitzer, another regular visitor to the Lake Louise podium, including a pair of super-G wins.

Elena Fanchini, winner of the first of back-to-back downhill runs at the posh Canadian resort last season, eased into training with the 15th best time.

American Lindsey Kildow, who has seen two of her three career downhill wins come on the Olympic course, opened with the 20th best time.

The women start a busy weekend with a downhill doubleheader on Friday and Saturday followed by the season's first super-G on Sunday.