Preview: Men giant slalom

In a country where the technical discipline holds special significance because of the past exploits of Ingemar Stenmark, Norway's Svindal will head a list of favourites that includes American Bode Miller, Austrian duo Hermann Maier and Benjamin Raich and Finn Kalle Palander.

"I feel the pressure is off me now because I've already got a gold," the 24-year-old Svindal said after becoming the first Norwegian world champion in downhill.

"I'm very relaxed going into the giant slalom because I've been very good this season and giant slalom really is my strongest event.

Both Lasse Kjus and Kjetil Andre Aamodt have been giant slalom world champions and should Svindal win gold on Wednesday he would underline his emergence as the next great Norwegian medal hunter.

Raich, who took the silver in super-combined last week, certainly sees Svindal as the man to beat.

"I think in the giant slalom, the biggest name and the most important name is Svindal because he has been very strong all of this season," he said.

"But I think I'm very strong also. I showed that a lot of times this year. I think the chances in both disciplines (slalom and giant slalom) are very good."

In Maier, Austria boasts a thoroughbred giant slalomist.

He won gold in Bormio two years ago and was also the Olympic champion in 1998 and the 34-year-old would relish a third gold in what could be his last world championships.

While the Austrian team still await their first gold of the championships, at least they have medalled in men's races here unlike their American counterparts who have flopped so far.

Miller, giant slalom world champion in 2003, was way off the pace in the super-G and although he showed flashes of his best in the super-combined, setting the fastest downhill leg, his slalom form remains a worry.

Miller's team mate Ted Ligety, the Olympic combined champion, will also start with hopes of a medal, although Svindal's biggest challenge could come from Palander.

The Finn has been impressive this season, winning a race in Alta Badia and gaining a third place at Hinterstoder in a race won by Svindal.

Italian Massimiliano Blardone also has a pedigree in giant slalom and has topped the podium in the World Cup this season.