Amherst, NH (October 24, 2002) -- In a strategic move to preserve its legacy of capturing the Overall Men's World Cup Championship title for the last 7 years, Atomic Ski has strengthened its Alpine World Cup racing team this season, renewing several top veteran contracts as well as adding a few up and comers to its 2002-03 roster.

The ski manufacturer recently inked contracts with the backbone of its Alpine team, striking long-term deals with World Cup points leader, Austrian Stephan Eberharter and defending world super G Champion, American Daron Rahlves.

Rahlves, best know for capturing the World Championship SG gold medal in 2001, and podiuming in the infamous Hahnenkamm downhill during the same year, is one of the biggest hopefuls on the US Ski Team. He has ambitious plans for the coming season, including defending his World Championship title.

Joining Rahlves and Eberharter on the team this year are Dider Cuche, currently ranked 3rd in the overall World Cup points standings, Kalle Palander, currently 6th in slalom, and Sami Uotila, presently ranked 8th in Giant Slalom.

"We made a decision to invest in some younger skiers, looking to have some of them become household names for the 2006 Olympics in Torino," said Eduardo Guzman, US National Race Director for Atomic. "We've taken a hard look at some of the up and coming talent to compliment our veteran force," Guzman added.

Cuche, Palander, and Uotila, all in their mid-20's, will switch to the Atomic Full-Flex system in time for the World Cup opener in Solden later this month.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor