TURIN, Italy – It’s time for “The Bode Show” to begin, and it had better be good. It had better rock these Winter Olympics, better become the talk of the Games. Best become NBC’s best friend. Alpine skier Bode Miller easily is the most hyped athlete of the 2006 Turin Games, a reigning World Cup champion who speaks his mind with the same veracity he attacks the slopes. Do you root for this guy? There was plenty of national reaction leading up to the Games when he talked on “60 Minutes” about skiing wasted. More reaction when he spoke to Rolling Stone about Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong taking steroids. For someone who claims to disdain media attention, he has an unwavering knack for attracting it. Yet if you’re expecting petulance, you’ve come to the wrong bohemian skier. “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but none of that bothers me very much,” Bode said after arriving in Turin. “I would be lying if I said I had massive regrets about the things I’ve said.” The regrets might yet come, but less for his comments than his preparation for the Games. After earning the super-G and overall World Cup titles last year – he was the first American in 22 years to win the overall championship – he has had a somewhat unimpressive 2005-2006 World Cup season. At this point in the season last year, he had won six World Cup events. Thus far this season, he has one victory and only three finishes on the podium. Bode, as ever, acts unconcerned. “I’ve met my goals effectively as I did last year,” he said. Apparently, he just had lower goals this season. Yet family and coaches have expressed concern that he failed to prepare for the season with the same dedication as previous summers, his attention wandering to business deals, pleasure and partying. He recently left the tour to spend a week golfing in Dubai. “I don’t think he’s prepared as well as he should have,” U.S. coach Phil McNichol told Sports Illustrated. Bode will enter today’s downhill feared and respected but not the most favored American skier. Daron Rahlves is the most accomplished U.S. skier ever. He has won three downhills this season and been on the podium six times. The last time a World Cup event was held here on the Sestriere Borgata course two years ago, he won it. Yet it is Bode the center of attention, Bode the media magnet. He complains about his coverage, yet courts it with comments that constantly demand attention. At different times he has ripped his own coaches, the ski federation’s drug-testing program, his sponsors and the press. He once said he might skip Turin for fear that winning here would bring him too much fame and affect his lifestyle. He said he might start his own pro tour after the Olympics. He has said, “I falsely represent myself.” He says a lot of stuff, which either endears him to fans or sends others screaming into the snow-dusted night. Bode, 28, first emerged at the 2002 Winter Games, when the story of his upbringing – he was raised in a New Hampshire cabin without electricity or indoor plumbing – and his two silver medals caught the national eye. His ensuing success in the World Cup made him a huge international star, which he both embraces and disdains. He talks about enjoying a simple, modest lifestyle, yet recently signed a multiyear contract with Nike. He had a show, “Bode on the Bus” on OLN. He gave lengthy interviews to several magazines, and of course, “60 Minutes.” He has authorized a Bode video game. He’s philosophical, conflicted, and maybe despite all the success, somewhat unhappy. He also is the man on the spot. Today will be the first of five events and the American public will expect its anointed star to deliver. It won’t care if he has struggled to regain his championship form this season and been hampered with a bad left knee. His rivals are keenly aware Bode is capable of turning it on when he needs to most. Despite his laid-back ways, he is highly competitive, supremely proud. All skiers will keep a watch on Bode today, but then so will much of the world. His hellbent, all-out style of attack can lead to dazzling runs or horrendous crashes. It’s his sport’s biggest stage, and time for “The Bode Show” to deliver. Steve Dilbeck’s column appears in the Daily News four times a week. He can be reached at stephen.dilbeck@dailynews.com.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORESanta Anita opens winter meet Saturday with loaded card He’s an American and the best in the world when he actually wants to be. He’s reckless on and off the snow. He parties like being the world champ in one endeavor isn’t enough. He’s young, arrogant but doesn’t seem to see it, opinionated and full of contradictions. It’s Bode the rock star of skiing. Bode the rebellious. Bode who disdains being marketed but has emerged the most marketed athlete entering these Games. Bode – rhymes with Kobe – is on the cover of about every American magazine but Cosmopolitan. He’s worshipped and feared in Europe. He is not exactly the darling of these Games – he’s too independent, too edgy for that – but is the most watched and anticipated athlete of Turin. Say what you will, but you will say it. Whether you adore him, revile him or simply find him a curiosity, Bode inspires reaction. read more