Cuche crowned downhill champion

Cuche finished on the podium six times out of nine races

Didier Cuche of Switzerland clinched his second straight World Cup downhill title after the final race of the season in Italy was cancelled.

The race, scheduled for Wednesday, was called off because of poor snow conditions on the Bormio course.

Cuche, 33, who could also win the Super G title, won the downhill crown by just five points from American Bode Miller.

"I'm very proud of my season. It was more stressful than last year when no-one expected me to win," said Cuche.

"I'm sorry for the way the downhill cup finished. I would have preferred that we had a last race so it would be fair for both of us."

Maybe the cancellation will give Bode overall victory Didier Cuche

Cuche won the prestigious Kitzbuehel race in January, and also finished second four times and third once.

Miller triumphed in three downhill races but struggled at the beginning of the season, which probably cost him the title.

But the American remains favourite for the overall title with just three races left.

Miller holds a 169-point lead over Cuche, with Austria's Benjamin Raich 264 behind.

"Maybe the cancellation will give Bode overall victory," Cuche added. "I still have a big day on Thursday with the Super G. It would be amazing to win another title."

Wednesday's final women's downhill race at Bormio was abandoned on the day because of the potentially dangerous soft snow conditions.

The title had already been won by Lindsey Vonn of the United States.