By Mathias Schneider

"Herminator", who had never before won what many see as the toughest men's downhill of all, clocked one minute 56.84 seconds to win 27 hundredths ahead of fellow Austrian Hannes Trinkl.

Stephan Eberharter joined them as third Austrian on the podium - another home team treble as in Friday's super-G triumph - but with American Daron Rahlves marring the exclusivity, joining the party with a joint third-place time 1:57.46.
It was the second triumph in as many days and 36th World Cup win for Maier, who Friday won the super-G on the same spectacular Streifalm course with its 70-metre leaps and speeds of over 130 kilometres an hour.

For the twice world champion and twice Olympic gold medallist, the victory was the final big title that had eluded him - the top race in his homeland, and in front of 40,000 delirious home fans.
"I'm happy to have won on the Holy Mountain," the 28-year-old said of the one victory he wanted above all others on a course that again took its toll of top skiers.
Austrians Hans Knauss and Peppi Strobl both had spectacular falls. Knauss, who won the race in 1999, suffered severe bruising and concussion, while Stroble was unhurt.

Maier's victory - "there's not much left to win - it's a great event for me" - means he goes as clear downhill and super-G favourite into the world championships beginning at the end of the month in Saint Anton, Austria, where the home crowd will again provide extra support - but also the pressure of expectation. dpa ms sc

(ba/dpa)