Banned Maier faces legal action

Herman Maier on the piste at Val D'Isere

Austrian skiing star Herman Maier has had a one-race ban and the threat of legal action added to his disqualification from Sunday's World Cup giant slalom race in Val D'Isere.

He was expelled for exceeding a time-limit during a pre-race piste inspection, opening the door for Switzerland's Michael Von Gruenigen to win the event.

Maier was then banned from next Thursday's World Cup giant slalom in the Italian resort of Bormio.

He was also fined 25,000 Swiss francs (£10,000) by the International Ski Federation (FIS) for reacting by hurtling down the OK piste without permission.

This is an early Christmas present which my rivals are taking from me

  Herman Maier

FIS race director Guenter Hujara said that French organisers had started legal action against Maier for endangering the lives of officials who were preparing the piste at the time.

He said: "All the racers should have been off the piste by 8.45 a.m. (0745 GMT). He crossed the finish line a full two minutes after that, at 8.47."

Maier, however, claimed he was not to blame for his disqualification and accused his rivals of being bad losers.

He said there was no official clock on the piste to warn skiers of the impending deadline.

"I found out from our own people (at the top of the course)," he said. "I didn't know how I should get down so I just skied down, but definitely not at race speed."

"This is an early Christmas present which my rivals are taking from me," the race favourite Maier said.

"I was looking at my watch the whole time but there has to be an official clock on the slope because racers' watches aren't always the same to the second.

"Obviously this is the only way our rivals feel they can have any chance against us.

Maier has been disqualified at Val D'Isere before

"It's a shame I can't compete. The slope is in perfect condition and flagged really well."

Race organisers said the jury had acted in response to a complaint from a rival team and had then rejected an Austrian appeal against the decision.

Toni Giger, head coach of the Austrian men's team, said he had not been allowed to appeal.

Val D'Isere has been a source of trouble for Maier in the past - three years ago, his victory in the Giant Slalom was revoked after he took his skis off inside the finish area.