Miller wins long-chased World Cup downhill title

Bode Miller of the United States clinched his first World Cup downhill title in six years in Lake Louise, Alberta of Canada on Saturday.

Miller charged to win the title in one minute 42.75 seconds as the 30th skier out of the start hut, bringing an end to the domination by Austrians, who had won every race staged at the Olympic course after the event was moved to Lake Louise from Whistler in 1999.

Frenchman Antoine Deneriaz was the only skier to get within a second of the American, crossing in 1:43.72, while Austrian Michael Walchhofer, the downhill world champion, settled for the third in 1:43.92.

"It's awesome," said Miller after collecting his 14th career win. "I was a little concerned yesterday when I won the training run. I was a little discouraged I was starting 30th. This hill traditionally does not favor late starters but I was really fired up."

Source: Xinhua