DENVER, 21 November 2003 — Home advantage and a good run of form make giant slalom world champion Bode Miller the favorite to extend his run of success as the Alpine ski World Cup moves to North America this weekend for a series of events.
The runner-up to Stephan Eberharter in the battle for the coveted overall World Cup title last March, Miller has focused his sights on the Austrian’s crown this season and is out to continue his fast start to the campaign that began with a giant slalom win on the glacier of Soelden last month.
“Since there are no Olympics or world championships to go for it’s the natural thing to do,” said Miller, who skied out during last year’s Park City giant slalom. “I’m hoping to compete in every race again, like I did last season.”
The former Olympic resort of Park City will host four races over the next two weekends, starting with a men’s giant slalom and slalom tomorrow and Sunday. The women take over the slopes for the same events the following weekend.
Once again, the 26 year-old Miller, who comes from Franconia, New Hampshire, can expect plenty of competition — much of it coming as always from the Austrians.
Eberharter will not let his overall crown go unchallenged and the 34-year-old champion will be anxious to make amends for a disappointing eighth place in Soelden.
Park City has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for Eberharter, who won giant slalom Olympic gold on the same mountain two winters ago.
The “Herminator”, Herman Maier, is expected to make his first appearance on American snow for almost three years.
