Marcel Hirscher (33) has not been in the World Cup since 2019 and yet he is always the big topic in Austria’s ski world. The reason? His new ski forge.
Hirscher cheerfully uses the ÖSV for his new project. In addition to Toni Giger (59, ex-sports director) and service ace Edi Unterberger, four other ÖSV employees have switched to Hirscher’s new brand “Van Deer”. And now the ex-professional has also poached Katharina Liensberger’s (25) serviceman Raphael Hudler.
That doesn’t go over well. ÖSV women’s boss Tom Trinker (47): “The intensity with which this happens is outrageous!” And alpine boss Herbert Mandl (60) curses. “Hirscher makes it easy for himself, simply woos people away from us. On the one hand, this approach is of course legitimate, but on the other hand it is definitely not the best way.”
Liensberger back from vacation
Finding new top people is almost impossible. “They don’t even exist on the open market,” says Mandl.
Nevertheless, they want to find a solution for Liensberger as quickly as possible. Next week she will return to skiing following her vacation.
Brit Charlie Raposo (26) and Norwegian Timon Haugan (25) will start next season with Hirscher skis in the World Cup.
Austrians, however, will not drive with it for the time being. One might not agree. “If Van Deer wants that, they have to comply with the clear rules that apply to all members of the Austria Ski Pool,” explains Patrick Ortlieb (54), Deputy Chairman of the Austria Ski Pool. (mum)
