Alain Baxter has continued his fine run of form with a fourth consecutive top 15 finish in yesterday's slalom at Kitzbuhel.

The 27 year old Scotsman was hoping to improve on his previous career best of 7th last week in Wengen. However from 12th place after the first run, Baxter lost pace on the difficult steeps of the second run.

In 6th place at the finish, Baxter watched on as Tyrolean Benni Raich, the victor last week in Wengen, set a new standard for the remaining competitors, winning by over a second. Former Olympic Slalom Champions, Jure Kosir ('94 Lillehammer) and Hans Petter Buraas ('98 Nagano) took 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Baxter finished in 13th place, and was pleased with his run. His coach, Christian Schwaiger, has predicted there is more to come and expects an improvement, with a podium place a genuine possibility. Baxter remains one of the most consistent men on the circuit - one of only 2 slalom regulars to score at every event this season.

Johnny Moulder-Brown with a start number of 57, faced a deeply rutted course and failed to finish, but continues to gather valuable experience on the World Cup circuit. Both men will start in Tuesday night's floodlit World Cup in Schladming.

Don't forget that you can now help Alain's drive for the Olympics yourself by supporting the Fundraising Auction to be held at Christies next month. The event is invitation only and will attended by a host of celebrities and featured in Hello magazine, with all monies going to the British Ski Team Olympic Fund.

Results - Men's WC Slalom Kitzbuehel
1. RAICH, Benjamin AUT
2. KOSIR, Jure SLO
3. BURAAS, Hans Petter

Previous FIS/World Cup articles:
Maier wins Hannenkamm
Baxter hits 7th spot
World Cup criticised by Maier
Best British result ever!
More British successes
Maier wins Val d'Isere double
FIS carelessness?
World Cup Update
Maier wins and loses at Lake Louise
Early British racing success
British Team details

Official World Cup Site