Buechel, Cuche on top

Buechel clocked 1:19.96 with Cuche 0.03 seconds behind. Norway's world champion Aksel Lund Svindal came in third in 1:20.13.

Raich was 21st in the last downhill at Kvitfjell -- which would not be a high enough position to win any points at the World Cup finals, with only the top 15 scoring.

The Austrian has not excelled in the speed events this season and may have a hard time beating the specialists.

He leads Cuche, who won the downhill at Kvitfjell and was third in the Super-G, by 92 points in the overall standings and Svindal by 103.

"The course is short yet very demanding," Cuche said. "You have to fight all the time to achieve clean turns. It will be an interesting competition for us. It's a fun situation for me, far beyond my wildest dreams," added the 32-year-old.

Slovenia's Andrej Jerman, who injured his right shoulder at Kvitfjell was unable to complete his run. Winner in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Jerman may skip the race if he is still in pain.