Herbst takes Levi slalom honours

It was the sixth victory of 31-year-old Herbst's career, all of which have been in the slalom.

Austria's Reinfried Herbst won the first Alpine skiing World Cup slalom of the season here on Sunday, ahead of Croatian Ivica Kostelic and last year's winner, France's Jean-Baptiste Grange.

It was the sixth victory of 31-year-old Herbst's career, all of which have been in the slalom.

- On the first run, everything was under control - said Herbst.

- I knew that I had to push more on the flat bit of the upper section in the second to make something happen. I really attacked there and that set me up very well for my entry into the final stretch. -

Last season the Olympic silver medallist enjoyed an explosive January, when he won two races and secured two other podium finishes, before his season collapsed.

He finished last season in fifth place in the slalom classification.

- I know when I'm at 100 percent and I felt that I was at 100 percent - added Herbst. - It's the first time that I've had a good result in the first race. It's a nice feeling. -

Herbst subsequently assumed top spot in the slalom standings, which reigning champion Grange led from start to finish last term.

Grange's performance means he begins the season as he finished the last, when he signed off with a third-place finish in Are, Sweden on March 14.

- It's a nice surprise because when I finished my run, I didn't think I'd be on the podium - said Grange.

- I know that the World Cup season is long. I paid the price for it in 2008 (when he finished second behind Manfred Moelgg in the slalom standings). The important thing is to be in contention going into the last race. -

The next slalom race of the season is slated to take place in Alta Badia, Italy on December 21.