Von Gruenigen wins in Maier's absence

Michael Von Gruenigen was in scintillating form

Switzerland's Michael Von Gruenigen took full advantage of the disqualification of Hermann Maier to win his second men's World Cup skiing giant slalom of the season on Sunday.

Von Gruenigen lay second behind Heinz Schilchegger after the first leg but produced an elegant second run at Val d'Isere's OK piste to push the Austrian into second.

Von Gruenigen's win lifted him into first place in the discipline standings above Maier, who was disqualified an hour before the race for exceeding the time limit during a pre-race piste inspection.

The Swiss skier, who won the second giant slalom of the season at Park City last month, clocked a provisional combined winning time of two minutes 31.33 seconds to Schilchegger's 2:31.92.

Alsgaard triumph

American Bode Miller produced a breathtaking second descent to jump from 21st after the first leg to third in 2:31.98 and earn his debut World Cup podium finish.

Maier was disqualified after he stayed on the course ahead of the race beyond the one-hour limit allotted to skiers, violating an International Ski Federation rule.

Meanwhile, Thomas Alsgaard of Norway claimed victory in the men's World Cup cross country in Brusson in Italy.

He finished the 1.5 km sprint ahead of compatriot Jacob Verdenius.

Results from men's World Cup giant slalom:

1. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 2 minutes, 31.33 seconds (1:14.95-1:16.38)
2. Heinz Schilchegger, Austria, 2:31.92 (1:14.68-1:17.24)
3. Bode Miller, United States, 2:31.98 (1:16.09-1:15.89)
4. Frederic Covili, France, 2:32.35 (1:15.50-1:16.85)
5. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 2:32.37 (1:15.30-1:17.07)
6. Massimiliano Blardone, Italy, 2:32.40 (1:15.53-1:16.87)
7. Benjamin Raich, Austria, 2:32.45 (1:15.90-1:16.55)
8. Erik Schlopy, United States, 2:32.64 (1:15.57-1:17.07)
9. Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 2:32.69 (1:15.45-1:17.24)
10. Didier Defago, Switzerland, 2:32.77 (1:15.83-1:16.94)