Kennelbach, Austria (Ski Press)-Bode Miller is ready to go it alone.

In joint announcements from his agent and Head Skis, Bode’s boot, binding and ski sponsor, the 11-year US Ski Team veteran said that he will compete as an independent athlete on the World Cup this season.

"This was a difficult decision for me to make," Miller said. "Despite any of our past differences, I have been a part of the U.S. Ski Team for 11 years and I cherish the relationships I have built with my teammates, the coaches, staff, sponsors, and trustees. I do not believe I can excel and perform at the level I demand of myself under the guidelines the U.S. Ski Team has presented. I will continue to ski as an American under the U.S. flag, and am proud to do so."

Miller chose "not to accept the non-negotiable terms offered by the U.S. Ski Team that would govern him differently and more onerously than his teammates."

According to his agent’s release, "Several of the proposed rules would be enforced subjectively throughout the course of the season. "

Among the sticking points was the US Team’s refusal to allow Bode sleep in his motor home.

In a separate statement, Head Skis said that Miller is "already part of a successful team,“ adding that, We have "been in constant contact with the superstar during these difficult past few days and supports his decision fully. Head also stresses that any reports that Miller would consider racing for another country or even retire from the sport at no point reflected the reality of the situation."

Head Racing Director Rainer Salzgeber said, "We accept Bode’s decision not to submit to the US ski team’s rules any longer. It is precisely this independence that makes this particular athlete so strong, which is why we will be putting all of our resources at his disposal. Our racing team is characterised by a special spirit. While its successes are doubtless attributable to the technical lead afforded by the materials, it is also a question of providing each individual athlete with the best possible support. Now, more than ever, the Head racing team will be a kind of home from home to Bode Miller, as an independent athlete.”

Salzgeber added that, "In the interests of continuity, HEAD is aiming to extend its partnership with Bode Miller after his present contract expires in spring 2008."

Skiing independently of the U.S. Ski Team is not unprecedented. Most recently, multiple-time national champion Kristina Koznick skied independently of the team for several years, until her retirement after the 2005-06 season. As an independent racer, Miller will finance and manage his own training, coaching, travel, lodging, and nutrition programs.