Maier regains World Cup lead

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ST. ANTON, Austria, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Hermann Maier regained the lead in the overall World Cup standings Saturday by leading an Austrian sweep of a men's downhill.

Maier blitzed down the sun-soaked Karl Schranz course in 1 minute, 56.09 seconds for his fourth victory this season. Racing in his first full season on the circuit since nearly losing a leg in a motorcycle accident in 2001, "The Herminator" won another downhill in Beaver Creek in December and as well as a pair of super-Gs.

"I never thought at the beginning of the season I would do so well," said Maier. "But now that I'm here I want to defend my chances. I have my chance, I'm going for it."

Teammate Stephan Eberharter virtually locked up the World Cup downhill title by finishing second in 1:56.41.

"It was a really rough downhill. Because of the warm weather it was a bit bumpy all way down," Eberharter said. "It was very challenging. It was a hard fight and a great race. Hermann had a great race today. He was stronger in one turn. I couldn't hold the line there."