U.S. and Italy break Austrian stranglehold

By Mark Meadows

BORMIO, Italy (Reuters) - Last season Austrian women claimed all the World Cup titles and Benjamin Raich won the men's slalom but in 2008 they were left trailing by the resurgence of American and Italian skiing.

Lindsey Vonn took the women's overall and downhill titles while Bode Miller sealed the men's overall crown after holder Aksel Lund Svindal was injured in November.

It was the first time since 1983 that Americans were overall winners in the men's and women's events.

Ted Ligety also snatched the men's giant slalom globe trophy for the U.S. on Friday after winning the season's last two races.

Vonn, formerly known as Lindsey Kildow, had an ominous warning for her Austrian rivals after claiming her maiden title.

"I have always dreamed of winning a globe. Those things continue to drive me. It's not going to stop," the 23-year-old told reporters at the joint men's and women's grand finals in Italy.

Last season's overall champion Nicole Hosp finished second after the final giant slalom on Saturday but in reality the Austrian barely challenged Vonn, who won the main title by a huge 220 points.

Vonn's best friend Maria Riesch of Germany won the Super-G title on Thursday and was the American's main threat, only dropping down to third overall after Vonn's win was complete.