SOELDEN, Austria (AFP) - Switzerland's Didier Cuche won the first World Cup men's giant slalom race of the season here on Sunday with an overall time of 2 minutes 21.45 seconds.

Switzerland's Didier Cuche speeds down the course on his way to clock the fastest time during the first run of an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

The 35-year-old, the reigning world Super-G champion, was third after the first run, but a decisive performance on the second gave him the tenth World Cup triumph of his career.

"I was helped by my start number on the first run," said Cuche.

"I had to fight much more on the second run, because the snow had moved so much.

"I spent last week doing some good training in Saas Fee and so I am not surprised about the result here."

Ted Ligety of the United States finished second after clocking 2min 22.05sec while Switzerland's world giant slalom champion Carlo Janka was third in a time of 2min 22.40sec.

Ligety was pleased to claim second place after recovering from a knee injury he suffered at his national championships earlier this year.

Ted Ligety, of the United States, speeds down the course on his way to clock the second fastest time during the first run of an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

"That was a really tight competition, just like it is here every year," he said.

"It is the first race of the year and the atmosphere is really special with thousands of fans in festival mood at the finish.

"I am happy with the result as I picked up an injury in spring at the national championships, but managed to avoid a knee operation.

"I only resumed training in August, so second is not bad."

Italy's Massimiliano Blardone missed out on the podium by just 0.01sec.

AFP
October 25, 2009, 13:35 pm

From left, second placed Ted Ligety, of the United States, the winner Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, and his fellow-countryman third placed Carlo Janka celebrate on podium after an alpine ski, men's World Cup giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)