BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) – At 41 and almost a decade removed from his last World Cup downhill race, Daron Rahlves wants one last crack at a demanding Birds of Prey course he knows so well.
Don’t worry, the former U.S. skier promises to take it easy.
He’s out for video, not a victory.
Rahlves will serve as an honorary forerunner before the men’s downhill race Saturday, capturing images with cameras mounted on his ski boot and helmet. He said he will only fly down the steep course filled with big jumps at about 60 percent of what he’s capable. He will leave the real racing to Bode Miller, Kjetil Jansrud and the rest of the world’s top speedsters.
But Rahlves reserves the right to change his mind. After all, Rahlves knows the nuances of this course and where to find hidden speed about as well as anyone. He’s won twice at Beaver Creek, including in 2003 when he turned in a fast and furious run.