Finals were an anti-climax for champion Bode Miller

BORMIO, Italy (Reuters) - Bode Miller said he felt deflated after Alpine skiing's World Cup finals, even though he was happy about a season that brought him his second overall trophy.

"The finals were really kind of a letdown for a lot of people," said the American. "The downhill obviously was shaping up to look really positive and a really cool finish for the season. To get that cancelled, it hit everyone."

The men's downhill, which had been due to open the five-day finals on Wednesday, was cancelled because of soft snow, leaving Miller second in the final standings behind Swiss Didier Cuche.

Miller, racing as an independent after splitting with the United States team, still captured the overall cup he first won in 2005.

"For me, I came in here and I knew I had to do a couple of things and I would win the overall," the 30-year-old Miller said after Sunday's awards ceremony. "I didn't do much, but I did enough."

Miller said the season's results had vindicated his decision to set up his own "Team America" after his relationship with U.S. team officials was strained to breaking point.

"Obviously I'm excited about going on my own, breaking away, doing new things and having success with that," he said.

"The end of the season was a little bit of a letdown -- just the finals, though. Before that I came out of Norway obviously feeling great and racing hard. That was for me a really positive finish to a really positive season.

"I think this year we sort of set down the group. I was really happy because the coaches saw what they achieved. I think we also did some really great things. We have to sit down and appreciate that. We're looking forward and we'll see what's going to happen next year."

If he decides to continue racing, Miller will have to put together a new group of trainers after some of them decided to step down. John McBride, his head coach, wants to dedicate more time to his family.

"For the moment I don't know too much about my future, I'll see later on this spring," Miller said.

He said he was happy that compatriot Lindsey Vonn had taken the women's overall title, making them the first American double champions in 25 years.

"It's cool to see that two American can take the two overall titles away from the Europeans but I don't think it will be big news in the U.S. right now," said Miller who has long complained about the lack of attention the sport attracts at home.

The finals closed early after Sunday's team event was cancelled due to rain and fog. The new season will start in Soelden, Austria, on October 25.

(Editing by Clare Fallon)