For the second time in his career, Switzerland's Michael von Gruenigen won the "Classical" giant slalom at Val d'Isère in a race that was marked by the disqualification of Hermann Maier before the race even started.

Von Gruenigen, the 1997 World Champion, took advantage for the second time of a disqualification of his archenemy, who spent too much time on course during his first run inspection. In December 1997, Maier was disqualified for taking off his skis too soon after crossing the finish line here in Val d'Isère.

"I prefer to win a race in which all the favorites take part."

Though the race was a tough fight between von Gruenigen and Austria's Heinz Schilchegger, von Gruenigen's 18th World Cup success will remain less famous in the history of the Alpine Ski World Cup than Maier's disqualification.

"I prefer to win a race in which all the favorites take part," von Gruenigen said. "I feel sorry for Hermann, but on the other hand, there are rules which are the same for all of us. He has somehow provoked the FIS officials in recent years. He is known for always being late. I hope that things will get better soon."

Despite — or because of — Hermann's absence, this race was quite spectacular.

Von Gruenigen and Schilchegger fought with all they had and at the end, von Gruenigen's experience and fine technique prevailed over the determination of his rival, who has excelled in both technical events since the start of the season.

In winning again, von Gruenigen validated himself after his win at Park City, a strong return since he switched to Fischer skis last summer. At 31, he is enjoying a great season and is on his way to winning a fourth GS World Cup title.

Interestingly enough, none of the skiers, not even the Austrians, complained about the heavy sanction which prevented Maier from competing. Maier, from Flachau, is not very popular among his colleagues and teammates, and none of them would stand up to defend him.

"I try to focus on my race and not be distracted by this event," said Schilchegger after the race. Heinz was 2nd behind Hermann here last week. "I knew about it but I was too busy concentrating on my first run to have time to think about it. You need all your energy to give your best on course. It's too bad for him."

But this fourth GS of the season was also marked by the impressive achievement of America's Bode Miller, who became the first US skier since the great Phil Mahre in March 1984 to reach the podium in a GS — a month after Erik Schlopy's excellent 4th place at Park City.

This time, Erik was 9th and Daron Rahlves 19th — fine results for the US Ski Team, which has made great progress in this discipline. Erik had a strong first run but lost too much time in the ruts in the second. But the former pro racer seems destined for a spot on the podium in the coming weeks.

Many more surprises, such as the strong 6th place finish of the young Italian Massimiliano Blardone, who ended in 6th place after starting in 61st position. On the other hand, two of the favorites, Norway's Kjetil Aamodt and Lasse Kjus didn't make the cut after the first run.

Two other Austrians finished among the top-10: Andreas Schifferer, 5th, and Benjamin Raich, 7th.

A strange season is going on. The next stop on the men's tour is a slalom in Italy's Madonna di Campiglio on Tuesday.

— Patrick Lang, World Cup Correspondent

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