Austria's Christian Mayer swept to victory in the World Cup giant slalom in Alta Badia yesterday after Italian idol Alberto Tomba crashed out of the second run. Mayer, the 1994 Olympic bronze medallist, who was leading after the first run, clocked a combined time of 2 minutes 20.97 seconds.

Switzerland's Michael Von Gruenigen, who was chasing his third victory in four races, had to settle for second place in 2:21.40, while Austria's overall World Cup leader Hermann Maier was third in 2:21.63.

Austria filled seven of the top eight places while, in front of his home fans, triple Olympic champion Tomba lost his balance completely after half a minute of the second run. He just about managed to stay upright, but promptly straddled a gate with his legs wide apart.