United States Ski Team veteran Erik Fisher, a Middleton resident and 2003 graduate of Eagle High, produced his best World Cup finish since 2009 during Friday's race in Chamonix, France.

Klaus Kroell of Austria won in 2 minutes, 4.22 seconds, followed by American star Bode Miller in 2:04.23. Fisher was the second fastest American at 2:04.89, his best result since Jan. 24, 2009 (11th, Kitzbuehel downhill).

"Fisher has had a great approach the last couple of weeks,'' U.S. men's alpine coach Sasha Rearick said. "He was out slalom training yesterday and has been skiing GS every morning. He executed some things really well today and it's good to see that momentum,''

Fisher has been on the U.S. team for seven years, and has produced 24 World Cup downhill finishes, including only three Top 15s. He qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but did not compete because of sporadic training results. He's also battled knee injuries.

Fisher finished third in the downhill at the 2011 U.S. Championships.

Friday's race was rescheduled from Val Gardena, Italy, the first classic downhill of the season. It had been called off in December because of strong wind. Chamonix hosts its regular downhill Saturday, followed by a super combined on Sunday.