THE SIDELINES : Kitt Captures His First National Downhill Title in Alpine Event

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. —  A. J. Kitt captured his first national downhill title today, edging Tommy Moe by nine-hundredths of a second in the opening event of the U.S. Alpine Ski Championships.

Kitt, 22, of Rochester, N.Y., had a solid run of 1 minute, 26.76 seconds. He is the American downhill racer on the World Cup circuit, finishing twice in the top-15 finishes this season.

He won the national super-G title here last year.

Moe, of Palmer, Alaska, was second in 1:26.85, according to unofficial results.

Eric Keck of Montpelier, Vt., finished third for the second straight year. He was clocked in 1:26.93.

Cash prizes are being awarded at the nationals for the first time this year. The top five finishers all earn money, topped by Kitt’s $1,000. A total of $20,000 will be given away this week.