Concord, NH (Sunday, May 9, 2004) - Mike Day, Fischer Alpine Race Director, has announced that US Ski Team member Tom Rothrock has just signed with Fischer skis and bindings. A-Team member Rothrock is the #2 US ranked Slalom skier on the Team. At the same time, Fischer's Austrian headquarters announced the signing of Austrian racer Hans Knauss.

“Tom is a great addition to the Fischer Team”, said Day of Rothrock. “He’s a tremendous athlete with a promising future. I expect this to be the beginning of a long and successful partnership.”

Rothrock is currently ranked 23rd in the world in Slalom and had been skiing on Völkl. Fischer President Dave Auer compares Rothrock to Bode Miller; “When Bode started with Fischer, he was ranked 31st in GS, and he grew with us through World Cup standings to his medals at the Salt Lake Olympics. I believe we’re going to see Tom move up in a similar manner.”

The 33 year-old Knauss has signed a two-year contract with Fischer. “This is a completely new challenge for me. I really want to start through in the coming season, want to bring great successes. I have always fancied Fischer, as they have great racing potentials and fantastic racing know-how”, the racer from Schladming said about his change of brand. His brother Franz Knauss also changed to Fischer and will be in charge of service.