| SKI SUNDAY PRESENTER GRAHAM BELL Ski Sunday returns on 18 January but I feel it's only right to start by paying tribute to David Vine.
The whole of British skiing owes a debt of gratitude to the man who became the voice for our sport.
It's fair to say that Ski Sunday would not have become the longest-running British sports programme without him at the helm.
A truly great commentator: such an excellent turn of phrase and a voice that could put you on the edge of your seat. He will be sadly missed.
Our first programme, Sunday 1700 GMT on BBC Two, is shaping up to be quite an action-packed affair.
It will be the 79th running of the classic Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen, Switzerland. It's the longest course on the circuit and a real test of courage, stamina, and technique.
On paper Bode Miller is the clear favourite, he's on for a hat-trick of wins this year, and clearly knows how to tame this beast.
However, things have not been running well for him this season, no wins to his name and only sixth in the World Cup standings.
A familiar name leads the downhill standings - the tall Austrian Michael Walchhofer.
But the real surprise of the season are the Italian speed team: Peter Fill, Christof Innerhofer and Werner Heel.
It is great to see the reigning World Champion, Aksel Lund Svindal back from the injury that sidelined him for all of last season.
But if I had to pick a winner I would go for home favourite Didier Cuche.
He has not been on form yet this season, his best a fifth place in Bormio, but he has won here in the past and is due something special.
Former skier Graham Bell is back for the new series of Ski Sunday from 1700 on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website, starting on 18 January. | 
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