Bode Miller switches from Atomic skis to Head

By Published On: April 22nd, 2006Comments Off on Bode Miller switches from Atomic skis to Head

Bode Miller switches from Atomic skis to Head{mosimage}Bode Miller is switching from Atomic skis to Head, marking the fifth time the American skier has changed brands in his World Cup career. The new contract begins immediately and will continue through 2008.

The skier is in on vacation at an island getaway, so he was unavailable for comment, but his agent Ken Sowles, who negotiated the contract, said Miller will be back next season.

‘The Head deal is a very, very strong package, perhaps the strongest in the history of the sport’ said Sowles in an e-mail.

Miller did not test equipment brands against each other as he has in previous equipment changes. Atomic resisted that proposal.

Among the companies Miller was considering was Blizzard, which was not a member of the U.S. Ski Team’s alpine pool.

Sowles said Miller will be the highest-paid ski racer in the world, although such estimates are difficult to make because their income is derived from a patchwork of sources, including equipment sponsors, endorsements and prize money. Often, skiers’ bonuses are based on performance.

‘Bode has signed on again with Briko’ said Sowles, referring to the goggle and helmet brand. ‘A big part of this relationship is R&D [research and development]. Bode has some very unique ideas that he’s working on with Briko.’

Miller spent two years on Atomic, starting with the 2004-05 season, in which he won the overall World Cup title. Before that he raced on K2, Fischer and Rossignol skis.

Now Miller becomes the second alpine skier on the U.S. Ski Team who is using Head skis, the other being Caroline Lalive on the women’s team.

‘I am extremely happy that Bode chose to join Head’ said Johan Eliasch, CEO of HEAD N.V., in a company press release. ‘Bode is the most exciting personality in alpine ski racing. He is also a globally recognizable figure due to his charismatic persona and exceptional ability.’

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About the Author: Pete Rugh