Hoefl-Riesch looms as Vonn's successor

There is a notable absentee from Wednesday's Olympic downhill: US speed queen and media darling Lindsey Vonn, blowing the field wide open for a successor to the title she took in Vancouver in 2010.

Vonn suffered a horrific crash at the opening super-G at the world championships last year and wisely opted for further surgery following an unsatisfactory bid at a comeback on the World Cup circuit this season.

Germany's Maria Hoefl-Riesch is ready to take the crown left by her American rival and friend, in storming form to top the World Cup overall and downhill standings so far this season.