SKI SUNDAY (ALL TIMES GMT) Fri 4 Feb 1420-1500 Sun 6 Feb 1615-1700 Fri 11 Feb 1420-1500 Sun 13 Feb 1300-1345

Miller flew down the icy Stelvio slope in a time of one minute 27.55 seconds to edge out Austria's Michael Walchhofer by 0.14 of a second.

Benjamin Raich claimed third place, while favourite Hermann Maier, also from Austria, could only manage fourth.

British number one Finlay Mickel came 23rd, the best ever finish for a Briton in a world super-G.

Countryman Roger Cruickshank finished 41st.

Miller's victory was his first in a so-called speed event - super-G or downhill - at the World Championships.

In St Moritz two years ago, Miller took gold in giant slalom and combined and was joint silver medallist along with Maier in super-G.

For a former slalom skier to win a medal in super-G is fantastic Benjamin Raich

"It means a lot to me," said Miller. "I've felt for a long time that I could do it in the speed events and this is awesome."

Walchhofer insisted his silver medal was a good omen for the defence of his downhill world title on 5 February.

"It's fantastic, a great start for me," he said. "My goal here is to defend my downhill title and to get a medal already is great.

"But this also shows that Bode is going to be one of the toughest rivals in downhill."

Raich, who is developing into a genuine all-rounder after starting out in slalom, was delighted to have pipped Maier to a bronze medal.

"For a former slalom skier to win a medal in super-G is fantastic," he said.

There are more important things in life than being fourth in a race Hermann Maier

"I delivered a very good performance and it is amazing that I was able to finish ahead of Maier."

In his three previous world championships, Maier has never failed to finish among the medallists in super-G.

He won in Beaver Creek in 1999 and picked up bronze in St Anton and then silver at St Moritz two years ago.

But the 32-year-old, who recovered from an horrific motorbike crash in 2001, played down his disappointment.

"There are more important things in life than being fourth in a race," he said.

"I took the wrong tactical approach and skied too roundly."

Mickel, who managed a run of 1:30.11, said he was pleased with his performance.

"I am happy with that, I put in some good turns and despite making a few mistakes it has gone well," he said.

Mickel, whose previous highest placing was 29th in St Moritz five years ago, is hoping that his good form continues at next Saturday's downhill.

"I'll come back fresh next week. I'm taking positive turns and some dynamic attacking turns into my downhill."

Men's super-G result:
1. Bode Miller (US) 1:27.55
2. Michael Walchhofer (Aut) 1:27.69
3. Benjamin Raich (Aut)1:28.23
4. Hermann Maier (Aut)1:28.40
5. Marco Buechel (Lie)1:28.61
6. Florian Eckert (Ger)1:28.69

Selected others:
23. Finlay Mickel (GB) 1:30.11
41. Roger Cruickshank (GB) 1:32.24