(With number 141) he is able to start in FIS races. But after good results he still doesn't get to compete in the Euro-Cup. The Discovery
Finally, on January 6th 1996 the people responsible are getting a strong sign. There is a Giant Slalom in Hermann's home town and he gets to be a practice runner. An unofficial timing shows "Mr. Nobody" among the worlds best. He would have finished 12th. That was reason enough to let him compete in the Euro-Cup, where he wins an awful lot. First Start in an World Cup Race
Already four weeks after his "practice run" in Flachau he debuts on February 3rd at a Giant Slalom in Hinterstoder - and finishes 26th, his first points in the World Cup. Hermann finishes the season of 96 in the Euro-Cup. He wins the Giant Slalom Championship and has a sure starting place for the next season in the World Cup. The first back stroke
After a couple of very promising results the new Cadre racer cannot show regularly good results. But Hermann wanted to get nominated for the World Championships in Sestriere in the Downhill, and he tries at the all-deciding race in Chamonix, to convince his trainers to take him into account. Unfortunately the whole ends in a broken wrist, and Hermann misses his one and only chance to get nominated. The Herminators first Victory
But a recovered and rested Hermann Maier wins his first World Cup race in Garmisch, a SuperG. With that in his pocket and a couple of other good results he can look relaxed upon the next season. World Cup Season 1997/98:
The Star that was born in the previous season develops full bloom. At the beginning of the season Hermann shows with a couple of results within the first three his dangerousness. And he shows with an additional win in Park City in a Giant Slalom, that he is always one to look out for. After that he proceeds to a series of successes, and he obtains the name "Herminator". Hermann "Herminator" Maier
As THE favorite he goes to the Olympic games in Nagano where he starts in the Downhill and generates the picture which will go around the world. Luckily he isn't hurt and goes on to win 2 gold medals (SuperG and Giant Slalom) in the following days. He finishes the season with overall World Cup Champion. The following seasons are dominated by the Herminator. With huge competitive edges he declassifies the comrade-in-arms and revives the whole World Cup Circus with his amazing rides through the gates.