Maria Hoefl-Riesch led the opening World Cup training session on the Banderitsa downhill course in Bansko, Bulgaria, on Thursday.

With bright sunshine and good snow conditions, Hoefl-Riesch clocked one minute 35.54 seconds down the steep slope.

Overall World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn was second, 0.52 behind, and American teammate Laurenne Ross was third, 0.96 behind.

One more training session is scheduled for Friday with the downhill race Saturday and a super-G on Sunday.