Altenmarkt, Austria (Sunday, May 9, 2004) - As US ski star Bode Miller has decided to go to the starting line with Atomic products for the next two seasons, Austrian powerhouse Hermann Maier has extended his contract with Atomic for three more years. In addition to the skis, Atomic will also supply the bindings and boots for Miller.

Miller's decision to abandon equipment sponsor Rossignol in favor of Atomic followed a series of extensive product tests under race conditions in Austria and Norway.

Dr. Michael Schineis, CEO of Atomic Austria GmbH said in announcing Miller's signing, "We are happy about Bode's decision. Over the past years the North American market has developed into the biggest ski market in the world, and we hope to further extend our position with Bode Miller."

After Maier's fabulous season, which ended with victory in the overall World Cup, both Atomic and Maier are now focusing on the 2005 World Championships in Sestrière and the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin.

"We are very proud to keep the most successful ski racer in our team," Schineis said of Maier's contract extension. "Hermann Maier gives our brand a 'winning spirit' and great international media presence. We are quite confident that we will continue our joint success story in the next three years."