ADELBODEN, Switzerland (AP)  -- Marc Berthod led a 1-2 sweep for Switzerland with Daniel Albrecht to win the World Cup giant slalom at Adelboden on Saturday. Hannes Reichelt of Austria took third on the technically demanding Kuonisbaergli course.

Marc Berthod of Switzerland speeds past a gate on his way to win an alpine ski world cup giant slalom race, in Adelboden, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

Switzerland's Daniel Albrecht speeds past a gate on his way to setting the third fastest time during the first run of an alpine ski world cup giant slalom race, in Adelboden, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

Hannes Reichelt of Austria speeds past a gate on his way to setting the third fastest time during an alpine ski world cup giant slalom race, in Adelboden, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

The 24-year-old Berthod followed up his victory in the slalom at the same piste a year ago -- his only other World Cup triumph.

He clocked a time of 2 minutes 27.56 seconds, with compatriot Albrecht 0.56 seconds back and Reichelt at 0.58s.

"It's better than a dream," said Berthod. "When I used to watched these races on the television I said to myself 'I would like to do what they do' and now I have realised that dream."

"It's a real special moment to have Daniel (Albrecht) next to me on the podium. We are going to celebrate this."

Albrecht, who became overall giant slalom leader, said: "It is a big day for Switzerland. And today I am extremely happy with my second place behind my friend Marc.

"When I was a kid I used to watch the champions of that era like Michael von Grunigen devour this mythical course.

"There are so many great skiers in this discipline these days that you really have to produce a strong race."

The Swiss were denied a top-three sweep when Didier Cuche, who was second in the first leg, slowed his run at the end and finished 12th to the disappointment of 23,000 home fans.

Stephan Goergl of Austria, who led after the first leg, skied cautiously because of the difficult snow conditions and finished 19th in a field of 30.

Earlier, 23 skiers failed to complete the first leg on the treacherous run.

American Ted Ligety fell near the start, and Bode Miller -- who won the downhill in Italy last weekend -- missed a gate in the first leg.

Miller tried to continue but gave up when he went out a second time moments later.

Ligety, who leads the World Cup standings in the discipline, fell spectacularly onto his back between the sixth and eighth gates and slid into the restraining fence, but was able to walk off the course.

"My head is a little bit raw, but otherwise I'm OK. That first pitch is what got me there, it's what got Bode, it's what got a lot of them," said Ligety, who had an abrasion on his right cheek, about a soft layer of snow that built up because of warm conditions.

AP
Saturday, January 5, 2008

Italy's Alexander Ploner speeds past a gate during the first run of an alpine ski world cup giant slalom race, in Adelboden, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

First placed Marc Berthod of Switzerland (C), second placed Daniel Albrecht of Switzerland (L) and third placed Hannes Reichelt of Austria (R) pose on the podium after the men's Alpine skiing World Cup giant slalom in Adelboden January 5, 2008. REUTERS/Pascal Lauener (SWITZERLAND)