Strike delays Miller's record bid

SKI SUNDAY (ALL TIMES GMT) Fri 11 Feb 1420-1500 Sun 13 Feb 1300-1345

Bode Miller's bid to become the first man in 40 years to win three golds at one World Championships has been delayed by a television strike.

The industrial action is among production workers at Italian state broadcaster RAI.

The giant slalom race was due to be held in Bormio on Wednesday, but organisers have now confirmed that it will take place on Thursday.

Miller has already won the Super-G and downhill titles at this year's event.

But the 27-year-old American knows his all-out approach could prove costly as he attempts to win another gold.

"If they set an eliminator course, then I could easily ski right out," he said.

"About 10 guys have a chance, but I could do something big again."

Miller and Daron Rahlves, his US team-mate, finished first and second in Saturday's downhill, with Miller becoming the first American man to win the World Championships' most prestigious event.

And as the defending champion and leader of this season's World Cup giant slalom standings with two race wins under his belt, Miller will start as favourite.

He tipped Hermann Maier as his strongest rival, along with 34-year-old Norwegian Lasse Kjus.

The World Championships have been a big disappointment for me so far Hermann Maier

Combined champion Benjamin Raich is also a threat, despite the fact it has been revealed he is suffering from light bronchitis, though team doctors are still confident that he will start the race.

Maier, 32, is looking to avoid going home without a medal for the first time since 1999.

"The World Championships have been a big disappointment for me so far," Maier acknowledged.

"But everything is still possible, especially in giant slalom. I'll be going out to get a medal as always, and if I don't there will still be other chances after the World Championships."

Canadian Thomas Grandi will be looking to prove himself more than a two-hit wonder following shock back-to-back giant slalom World Cup wins - the first of his 12-year career - in December.

Italy's Massimiliano Blardone, a winner in Adelboden last month, and Finland's Kalle Palander will also be looking to convert strong World Cup form.