Lindsey Vonn Skips St. Moritz World Cup Stop, Targets Val d'Isere Downhill Race on December 21st

Lindsey Vonn has cancelled her plans to compete at the St. Moritz World Cup stop as she continues to take a cautious approach to her preparations for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Vonn, who made her comeback on Friday after a long layoff due to an ACL tear she sustained in February, said in a USA Today interview published Wednesday that she feels she is skiing well, which gives her the opportunity to rest to avoid longterm damages on her knee.

"I know that I'm skiing well so I don't need to push myself and push the limits to race as many races for Sochi. I'm ready for Sochi. I don't need to do a lot, just a couple more starts. But I really want to focus on Sochi and take the risk away from any long term damage on my knee," said Vonn.

Vonn, who previously said that she is looking to compete in one or two more World Cups before her Sochi Olympics campaign, initially planned to race in St. Moritz. With the change of plan, Vonn's next race will likely be in the downhill competition in Val d'Isere on Dec. 21.

The 29-year-old American skier recently sustained a partial tear on the same ACL that was surgically repaired after an unfortunate crash at the world championships in  February.

Vonn recently decided to delay further surgery on her knee, but she will be required to wear a knee brace in competitions, which will force her to skip the giant slalom events.

"I'm not sure I'll be racing any GS this season but in speed I don't really feel it at all. It's really lightweight. It's definitely not aerodynamic, it's going to slow me down a little bit, but I just have to ski that much better and I can do that," Vonn said.

The reigning Olympic downhill champion, who had an impressive fifth place finish at the Super G on Sunday, will defend her title on Feb. 12 in Sochi, Russia.