Defending world downhill champion Patrick Kueng has called a premature end to his season because of persistent knee pain.

The 31-year-old Swiss speed specialist has never fully recovered from a left knee injury sustained in July.

Having missed two training camps in the summer, Kueng nevertheless took part in the opening three races on the World Cup circuit, his best ­result a ninth-place finish in the downhill in Beaver Creek on the same piste he was crowned world champion last year.