Miller set for December return to World Cup circuit

SOLDEN, Austria (AFP) - Three-time Olympian Bode Miller said Thursday he is targetting a return to the World Cup circuit in December as he bids to recapture the overall title which he won twice.

Miller, who battled injuries at the end of last season and pondered retirement, has returned to the US ski team after a two-year solo adventure with mixed results.

Attending a function for his sponsors ahead of the opening of this season's World Cup here this weekend, Miller said that he would be skipping the first two events at Solden and Levi, Finland.

That makes his likely return the event at Beaver Creek on December 4-6.

"It's going to be a bit of a task to see how I can get in the form I need to be in to be competitive. But the thing is starting really in December, before there are only a few races," said the 32-year-old.

"I think I'll have the chance (for the overall title)," said Miller, who won the title in 2004/2005 and 2007/2008.

"I'm one of the few guys that can ski all events pretty well."

Now that he is back in the US team, Miller is also hoping to qualify for his fourth Winter Olympics which begin in Vancouver in just over four months.

"I thought that to reach what I wanted to do the team was a great opportunity for me to fit right in," he said.

"I feel strong. The one thing that could stop me back, which would be a tragedy, would be an injury, if I try to push too hard."

He took a four-week break from competition in February and March this year to spend time with his young daughter, and the break he believes helped him physically.

"It a was great chance for my body," he added.

Miller had a disappointing 2006 Olympics in Italy where he attracted more attention for his partying than his skiing. He finished fifth in the downhill and sixth in the giant slalom.

In 14 World Cup seasons, Miller has a US-record 31 World Cup victories. He has won four World Championship titles as well.