INDUSRY. Three-time World Cup overall title holder and Olympic gold medalist ski racer, Lindsey Vonn has agreed to a deal with Briko helmets. Briko, which is based in Milan, Italy, made the announcement today, (Oct. 22) less than 24 hours before the opening of the 2011 Wold Cup season in Soelden, Austria.

Lindsey Vonn of the United States smiles during a free-ski session in Soelden, Austria, Friday, Oct. 22, 2010. The Alpine ski World Cup season gets underway over the weekend in Soelden, Austria, site of the traditional season-opening giant slalom. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

“Being part of the Briko team is going to be really awesome,” said Vonn in a Briko press release. “Just looking at the names of those that have been part of Briko’s program so far, you immediately understand that you really become part of the elite of world sport, not only of skiing.”

Vonn will race in the brand’s Phoenix model adorned with the Red Bull logo and silver and blue patern.

Lindsey Vonn of the United States passes a gate during the first run of an alpine ski, Women's World Cup giant slalom in Soelden, Austria, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Armando Trovati)

“Lindsey’s athletic talent is apparent: she has won practically everything everywhere, and she is still young,” said Briko’s Chairman Carlo Boroli. “Having such an outstanding athlete in our team means that our products can really boast a high technical value - a value that, also thanks to Lindsey's suggestions, we will then transfer to our models targeted at the general market, i.e. to anyone wishing to ski safely."

Lindsey Vonn of the United States reacts in the finish area after completing the first run of an alpine ski women's World Cup giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria, Saturday Oct. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

Prior to signing with Briko, Vonn skied in Uvex helmets, including a special helmet designed by a fan that Vonn wore at the Vancouver Games.

SkiRacing.com
October 22, 2010