Hirscher turns in fast final run to beat Ligety

"It's such a ridiculous rule change that makes no sense safety-wise or evolution of the sport-wise. It can't go through," Ligety recently said. "I'm living my life as if it's not on the horizon."

He rebelled again Sunday, wearing a black "censored" sticker on his goggles strap as a protest over a rule limiting the size of logos on equipment.

"I feel if you're one of the leading guys, you should stand up for what you believe in," said Ligety, who captured the season-opening GS in Soelden, Austria, on Oct. 23.

So dominant has Ligety been that his competitors are even studying video of him for tips. Dopfer is taking that approach in order to help close the gap.

On Sunday, Dopfer was in awe of just being on the podium, especially when it looked as if he might be bumped down to fourth. Austria's Benny Raich was skiing so well before making a late mistake and veering off the course.

"This was a big surprise," Dopfer said at a news conference. "(Ted) is like a role model for me in GS. It's just amazing to watch him and be on the podium together with him. It's just crazy."

Just then, Ligety leaned over a table and responded, "Thanks, dude."