BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- Norwegian Lasse Kjus captured his first World Cup giant slalom since 1996 on Saturday, winning in 2 minutes, 29.82 seconds to edge Hermann Maier of Austria by nearly a half-second.
Maier, the defending World Cup champion, was second in 2:30.27 with fellow countryman Benjamin Raich finishing third in 2:30.46.
World Cup leader Bode Miller, looking to become the first overall American champion since Phil Mahre in 1983, crashed in his first run. Miller, the reigning world and World Cup giant slalom champion, had won four of the first five races, including a downhill Friday.
Kjus was the gold medalist in giant slalom at the 1999 world championships in Beaver Creek and neighboring Vail. This was his 17th victory, but only his second in giant slalom.
"I have lots of good memories of Beaver Creek and Vail," he said. "I skied my best giant slalom run here, the first run in '99."
Erik Schlopy of the United States finished sixth.
