Miller 5 seconds out in Kitzbuehel training — but another American in the hunt

KITZBUEHEL, Austria — If his first training run is any indication, a Hahnenkamm start is now less likely for Bode Miller this week. The 37-year-old World Cup veteran has been following the speed tour through Europe, training, forerunning and dropping in as a broadcast POV in an effort to improve his fitness and evaluate the “structural integrity” of his back, which was surgically repaired in November.

Miller finished near the back of the pack, 5.36 seconds behind the smashing pace of Kjetil Jansrud, who clocked in at 1 minute, 56.77 seconds. Last week’s winner in Wengen and the defending Hahnenkamm champ Hannes Reichelt, of Austria, was the only other racer in that conversation, 0.51 seconds back.

Miller continues to be the biggest story of these training runs. Earlier in the season, he admitted the prospect of winning the elusive Hahnenkamm was a major force motivating his attempt at a comeback. But a chance at winning — not participating — has always been the key part of the equation.

After Tuesday’s run, Miller appeared to be in discomfort and was heard grumbling of back pain in the finish area. He did not speak with the media but did pose for a photo with his son, Nate.

Head Coach Sasha Rearick is not expecting a Hahnenkamm start from Miller but he did say, “It’s Bode — you never know,” according to a team spokeswoman. The U.S. Ski Team and Universal Sports Network has again requested a POV runner for the weekend.

Meanwhile, American Travis Ganong threw down the third-fastest run of the day, 1.68 seconds off the pace of Jansrud, but also nicely in front of the next big grouping of racers, who rolled in at roughly plus-2.30. The Streif was a good hill for Ganong last year, finishing sixth and seventh in the super G and downhill, respectively.

Ganong was encouraged by his time on Tuesday, but said it can get even better.

“It was a good run, but I had one huge mistake,” said Ganong. “I was really surprised I came down with the lead. I almost went into the fence, had to throw my skis sideways on the flat part of the course. But there were certain spots that were really good and the snow is perfect this year.”

Like most other stops on the speed tour this season, there are some changes to the set under the leadership of race director Hannes Trinkl. In keeping with the new Trinkl philosophy, speed is controlled through the use of terrain as opposed to increasing turn shape, which presumably amounts to a more “downhiller-friendly” contest.

On the Streif, for starters, two huge rollers have been added to the carousel turn after the Mausefalle leading into the Steilhang (on the upper part of the course).

“You can’t go in there and arc a full clean turn — you have to be a little smart tactically and that fits right into my style of skiing,” said Ganong. “I saw that during inspection and I smiled. I thought, I can do something with that.”

Also of note is the reincarnation of the jump after the final pitch, which hasn’t been built since Danny Albrecht’s life-threatening crash in 2009. The jump is quite a bit toned down compared to its predecessor and better constructed, say the racers.

“They talked to us in Santa Caterina about that jump,” said Steven Nyman, who finished the day 19th. “The jump is fine. It’s always been fine — if they prep it well. The problem with those guys who crashed is they didn’t prep it well. The in-run was pretty bumpy and then the jump had a little kick to it. That was the issue. Now it’s safe. It’s a small jump, but if you really send it down that pitch, it could be pretty big.

“As for my run, I definitely just felt it out. I wasn’t charging super hard, made a few mistakes mainly on the bottom half,” added Nyman. “But it’s great to be here. With the condition I’m in, the balance I have on my skis, I’m psyched to tackle this. I don’t think I’ve ever come in here with this kind of confidence.”

As has become the MO this season, the second of two training runs tomorrow has been canceled. Training will resume on Thursday with racing set to kick off Friday.

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