That's what the International Ski Federation (FSI) will be trying to work out at a crisis meeting planned for the World Championships in St Anton, which start on 28 January.

World Cup skiing seems to be losing its appeal fast. While snowboarding and freeride events have had some impact, some commentators believe the damage is due to the current Austrian dominance in the sport, led by Hermann 'the Herminator' Maier.

Franz Klammer, whose record of 25 World Cup wins has been eclipsed by Maier's 32, believes the problem lies with lack of competition: 'Hermann Maier is great. But who is he beating? Mostly other Austrians. Where I had racers from a dozen and more countries to beat, now there are about three. It is not good for the sport.'

Too many races, too little excitement?

Some feel the race schedule has simply become too big. Norway's Kjetil Aamodt and Lasse Kjus refused to enter the Val d'Isere competition this year. 'I must be careful,' Kjus said. 'If I'm in better form I can win races instead of being 10th three times. You need to win races, not just points, if you want the overall World Cup.'

Some experts feel that that the shorter, more manoeuvrable skis, coupled with shaved down jumps (due to the fear of litigation after fatal accidents) have taken much of the spectacle out of downhill skiing. Whereas skiers like Konrad Bartelski, Britain's most successful downhill racer, once had to check before launching into huge jumps (such as the Camel bumps at Val Gardena where Bartelski finished 2nd in 1987), racers today can take these jumps in a tuck.

Pure jealousy or arrogance?

The reduction in competition seems also to have increased the amount of backbiting within the circuit. In the women's competition, both Heinz Schilchegger and Renate Gotschl have been accused by a French journalist of altering their boots outside of race rules.

Amongst the men, Maier himself was banned from two Giant Slalom races for taking too long on a course inspection, then skiing on the same course when it was closed.

The Austrian reaction has not helped smooth the waters. Hans Pum, the head of the Austrian Women's team accused their competitors of 'pure jealousy'.

Maier displayed the arrogance that has made him few friends amongst his competitors. 'Obviously this is the only way our rivals feel they can have any chance against us. If you look at what's been happening in the World Cup lately, so much has become ridiculous, it's almost becoming a circus.'

If the World Cup is becoming a circus, Maier might be well advised to consider what role he is playing. Watch out for some major changes coming up for next season.

[Maier still leads the overall Men's World Cup standings. 18 year old Croatian, Janita Kostelic, heads the women's overall standings.]

Previous FIS/World Cup articles:
Best British result ever!
More British successes
Maier wins Val d'Isere double
FIS carelessness?
World Cup Update
Maier wins and loses at Lake Louise
Early British racing success
British Team details

Official World Cup Site