CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Struggling American skier Julia Mancuso got a boost by posting the fastest time in an opening downhill training session.

Seeking her first World Cup win in nearly three years, Mancuso sped down the Olympia delle Tofane course in Italy in 1 minute, 40.17 seconds on Wednesday.

Swiss skiers Fraenzi Aufdenblatten and Nadia Styger were second and third.

Overall World Cup leader Maria Riesch of Germany was fourth. Lindsey Vonn, who has won the opening four downhills this season, was eighth.

Mancuso, who will defend her Olympic giant slalom title at the Vancouver Games, won a super-G in Cortina three years ago. She's finished on the podium six times at the resort.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.