US ski ace Bode Miller gets a mountain bike

US skiing star Bode Miller is not planning to trade in his skis for a bike, but he did recently receive a new BMC Superstroke 01 mountain bike for use when cross training off the slopes.

Miller became a household name after he won two silver medals in the Giant Slalom and Combined events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. As a teenager, Miller shaved seconds off his World Cup times by using what were then innovative hourglass-shaped ("parabolic") skis. He drew attention to himself in the 2002 Olympic Slalom race, during which he hiked back up the course and then finished anyway after missing a gate.

The American ski star will also use his bike for more mobility at world cup venues. For example, it will be a quicker way for him to get to media conferences. He'll also warm up on his bike on rollers right before the start of a race.

Referring enthusiastically to his new bike, Miller said, "What a fantastic bike!"