Skiers to compete for new title

World Cup overall champion Miller competes in all disciplines

Ski racers are set to compete for a new title in the 2006-07 World Cup season.

The combined trophy would be awarded to the top skiers who take part in dedicated downhill and slalom races.

Combined events have taken place for a number of years with the results counting towards that season's overall competition total.

But a trophy has never been awarded and it is hoped the move will encourage smaller skiing nations to enter racers who can ski the diverse disciplines.

The International Ski Federation will meet in Munich this month to discuss the change.

It would be the first time a new trophy has been awarded since the introduction of super-G in 1986.

There is a trend for skiers to specialise in either the technical events of the slalom and giant slalom or the speed disciplines of the downhill and super-G.

Very few top skiers compete in all four disciplines, the exceptions being America's Bode Miller and Austria's Benjamin Raich.

Britain's Chemmy Alcott is one of a handful of women skiers who is competent in all disciplines.

World Cup director Gunther Hujara said: "It is time we brought new events to the sport.

"This will provide more opportunity for a number of smaller nations to participate in World Cup events."