Bode Miller joined the elite of World Cup downhill racing when the American repeated his 2007 victory on the classic Lauberhorn course in Wengen.

Only the very best downhill specialists have won twice in the luxury Swiss resort and Miller, who sped down in two minutes and 30.40 seconds, emulated the likes of Franz Klammer, Kristian Ghedina, Marc Girardelli and Stephan Eberharter.

Switzerland's Didier Cuche was second, 0.65 seconds behind, while Canadian Manuel Osborne-Paradis came in third for his third career podium, a full 1:33 off the pace.

"I knew that Cuche was out for the race of his life so I had no choice but make the very best of the course. I skied well, neat, especially in the intermediate section and it paid off," Miller said.

"It's always a great pleasure to win when you know you've given it your all," he added.

The emphatic victory confirmed the great return to form already announced by the American's win in Bormio this season.

Miller, skiing as an independent racer after parting company with the U.S. team, has now won six World Cup downhills.

In the process he has now joined Phil Mahre as the most successful American in the World Cup with 27 wins.

The 2005 overall World Cup champion also maintained the American hold on one of the World Cup classics, with Daron Rahlves having won it in his last professional season in 2006.

Miller and Cuche were impressive in practice all week and they outclassed the rest of the field on the 4.48 kms-long track, the longest of the men's circuit.

Consolation for Cuche was taking the lead in the downhill World Cup, one point ahead of Miller. The discipline's crystal globe is an important goal for both men, but especially for the American, who has won all the others.

"After seeing Bode's run, I knew I had to work hard. It was maybe not the best race of my life but not far. I took all the risks I could possibly take within the limits of reason," said Cuche.

Osborne-Paradis's result was a relief after his team-mate Jan Hudec was injured in practice, especially as the Canadians are targeting 14 podiums this season in the run-up to the Vancouver Olympics.

Austria's Michael Walchhofer, the winner in Beaver Creek and Val Gardena earlier this season, finished fourth, 1:37 behind Miller.

Next weekend's race at Kitzbuehel, down the famous Streif piste, could produce an exciting battle between Miller, who has yet to win there, Cuche, who triumphed in 1998 and 2006 winner Walchhofer.

"Kitzbuehel is another major event, especially as I never managed to win. But it's a piste that's always inspired me. I must just remain balanced on my skis," Miller said.

Cuche was also looking ahead, saying: "The fight is on. It's really an exciting season with podiums and fun. Races to come will be even more intense."

Miller is second in the overall World Cup standings with 611 points, six ahead of third-placed Cuche but well behind Austrian leader Benjamin Raich on 690.

Reuters