Switzerland's Franco Cavegn has posted his best career finish after coming third in the men's World Cup downhill skiing race in Garmisch, Germany.

Austria's Fritz Strobl won the race which is seen as crucial preparation before the World Championships begin in St Anton this Sunday. It was Strobl's first World Cup victory of the season.

Strobl profited from a high-speed crash by the World Cup leader, Austria's Hermann Maier. Maier escaped uninjured, but threw his ski into the snow in frustration.

Strobl won the race in a time of just over two minutes. Fellow Austrian, Peter Rzehak, came in second.

Switzerland's Didier Cuche finished the race fifth, and Bruno Kernen came tenth.

While Maier is still ahead in the overall season standings, his fall cost him the lead in the downhill standings.

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