I"m not taking the comments as harsh toward Dave. He's a good guy, a popular guy, a hard worker who has accomplished a TON. He's a real solid SL skier. In fact he probably skis better than his results would indicate....even though his results blow away the Americans {particularly with Daver's retirement}.
I think the issue may be the relative economic value, and contract price tag that the ski companies put on a skier like Dave, at this age and this point in his career. They tend to look for both immediate value, and even more so on future. So, has he peaked? Even if he has, He's a top 10-15 talent. He's also a Brit.
I am assuming that for whatever business reasons, the deal put forth by Fischer to extend him was not close to what Dynastar offered. Just a hunch. I'd be guessing at best at what those numbers could be.
He had a great season a year ago, as noted. Many exciting high points, and many "almosts." So much became to be expected of him. Even on Pugski, we had people saying that everybody else would be skiing for second, which at the time I though was "a bit ambitious", considering these guys MH, HK, etc. Fact is, has never had another podium, let alone a win. No medals.
So if Fischer based that last contract on what they hoped to see for potential realized, it's easy to see how they might pull back.
I like the guy. I think he's great for the sport. And I love to watch him ski. SO MANY people are pulling for him to put two of his best runs together in one event. Then we'd see another podium.
Will be hoping that the new setup works. I also think the point is that there is some risk to this move....as he looked very, very good on the Fischer setup. That's all.
Best of luck to Dave, and to Dynastar!
