Raich the man to watch

"The smart money is on Raich because he's just such a consistent skier now," the ex-pro said. "He showed last season how strong he was across the board and there's absolutely no reason for him to have lost that over the summer break. What's more, the Austrians are so better equipped to deal with the heavy programme."

Riach will look to repeat the feat of his girlfriend Marlies Schild, who won the women's inaugural slalom at Levi on Saturday, and record the first of many Austrian one-twos this year.

Miller has switched ski manufacturers to Head over the close season and it remains to be seen how the American has taken to his new equipment. If his own words are anything to go by, there should be no problem: Miller audaciously claimed last week that he was targeting a record number of victories in this year's world cup after a disappointing previous campaign.

"Bode will either win it or blow it in Levi," warned Clark. "That's his style and there's always a question mark on how he will do because he always skis right on the edge. That is why it will be so interesting to see how he does with his new Head skis because he's a skier who needs so much close contact and his recovery ability must be perfect."

Clark cast doubt on Miller's boast of total dominance this season, saying: "Miller will always find it hard to adapt to the heavy programme. You can't capture genius, you need to let it flourish. In my eyes, massive success is unlikely and that might well lead to distractions later in the season."

Miller's team-mate Ted Ligety had an impressive season last year - capped with a surprise gold medal in the Olympic combined event at Turin after excelling in the slalom events.

But Ligety will be up against it on Sunday due to an injury to his finger, which he broke a month ago. Clark said: "The injury has slowed down Ted's training considerably and he will not be able to hit the gates due to fear of further aggravating the healing process. Ligety's a bit like Bode in that it's just so hard to predict how he will do, but on Sunday I would say he has no chance."

The same verdict is given to Kalle Palander's hopes. The Finn tore his anterior and medial ligaments in his knee on the second-to-last race of the year, the GS at Aare. Such a serious injury used to require a year's rehabilitation and Palander will merely be looking to ease himself back to fitness for a better chance at competitive skiing later in the season.

Rumour has it that Croatia's Ivica Kostelic has excelled in training which should put him in good stead on Sunday. Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal is always a threat, as is reigning slalom champion Giorgio Rocca of Italy, the joint favourite for glory with Raich.

Meanwhile the UK's Alain Baxter is reportedly in hearty form with his wife just moments away from giving birth.