The Oreiller-Killy downhill course at Val d'Isere is one of the classic venues in all of World Cup skiing, and Stephan Eberharter gave a performance worthy of the setting.

Eberharter continued his record-setting season today, winning the downhill in a time of 1:58.09, easily outrunning teammates Klauss Kroell and Andreas Schifferer as Austria swept the podium.

United States racers had a disappointing day, considering the historic "3 in the top 10" finish last week at Beaver Creek. Bode Miller was the top American finisher in 19th place, nearly 2.5 seconds behind Eberharter. Daron Rahlves was 21st and Jake Fiala 26th. Marco Sullivan had a shot at a top-10 finish, but crashed near the bottom of the course.

"It wasn't great but it wasn't a bad day, either," said U.S. DH/SG Head Coach John McBride. "Marco skied like a stud - ninth at the last split, but he just didn't have all the pieces together to finish. That's the second time that's happened, but he's learning the World Cup hills and I'm pleased with what he's been showing us."

"Bode skied well in the turns but he wasn't even close up top, going across this long, gliding flat. He made up time at the finish, but the top killed him," McBride said.

"Bode skied well in the turns but he wasn't even close up top, going across this long, gliding flat. He made up time at the finish, but the top killed him." — U.S. DH/SG Head Coach John McBride

For Eberharter, the win is his 11th in WC downhill competition. He has won all three downhills contested this season, and also the first skier ever to win at Val d'Isere two years in a row. Eberharter has nearly lapped the field in the points race, with 548. He has a 259 point lead on Norway's Kjetil Andre Aamodt. France's Didier Cuche is third in the points race. Aamodt finished 5th today and Cuche crashed early in his run, but was unhurt.

The men run giant slalom Sunday, then move to Sestriere, Italy, for their first taste of the new "knockout" slalom format Monday with a qualifying run during the day and finals under the lights. The speed group moves on to Val Gardena, Italy, for the traditional speed downhill and super next Friday and Saturday.

— MountainZone.com staff with additional material courtesy US Ski Team