From the start in Sölden to the far north to Levi, then back to the Tyrolean Ötztal to Gurgl: the ski aces covered 5,000 kilometers as the crow flies for the first three World Cup stops, even before the entourage moved to the USA. Apart from the fact that skiing in particular is directly affected by the consequences of global warming, the strains of travel take a toll on athletes. As in the case of Manuel Feller, it is not very edifying to fly to the USA for just one race, the giant slalom in Beaver Creek (December 8th), especially since the Tyrolean’s form is at stake in all three races of the season failed, is not in good order. “A lot of effort for just one race,” says Feller, who is “unfortunately leaving for America” after a huge slalom training session at home. After all: “It’s a slope that suits me.” After two slalom threaders recently, the giant slalom could possibly be just the right change, the 32-year-old continued. As expected, the technology specialist will not be racing downhill and Super-G. Just like in previous winters, speed riders overseas are experiencing the start of their season.
Mikaela Shiffrin has four races on the program over the next two weekends in Killington (USA) and Mont-Tremblant (Can), but the series winner is still not happy with the calendar planning. “My honest opinion is: It’s challenging to be in Sölden, then in Levi, then back in Gurgl and then in Killington. It’s really hard on the body and the mind,” says the 29-year-old.
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The fact that Gurgl and Sölden – both World Cup locations are part of the municipality of Sölden – are planning a joint double weekend has met with widespread approval. The most successful athlete in history, with 99 World Cup victories, can also benefit from the idea. “It would be ideal,” says Shiffrin, knowing that if the Gurgl races had been scheduled earlier they would have been extremely shaky due to the snow situation. “The season should start later and possibly end later. I know it’s easier said than done. But maybe there are some ways to structure it so that we can keep the racing but also make the travel more physically and environmentally sensible.” , Shiffrin positions himself.
Is the current World Cup format sustainable in the long term, considering both environmental impact and athlete well-being?
## More Harm Than Good? World Cup Ski Circuit Under Fire
**(Interviewer):** Welcome back to the show. Today, we have Manuel Feller, a rising star in the alpine skiing world, joining us to discuss the grueling World Cup circuit and its toll on athletes. Manuel, thanks for being here.
**(Manuel Feller):** Thanks for having me.
**(Interviewer):** You recently competed in the first three World Cup stops, covering an incredible 5,000 kilometers just to get there. How are these countless hours of travel impacting you and your fellow skiers?
**(Manuel Feller):** It’s definitely taking its toll. We’re constantly on the move, constantly adjusting to new time zones, new environments. It’s exhausting, both physically and mentally.
**(Interviewer):** You mentioned the upcoming Giant Slalom in Beaver Creek, a long flight for just one race. How do you feel about this kind of scheduling, especially considering your recent performance hasn’t been ideal?
**(Manuel Feller):** It’s frustrating, to be honest. Flying across the Atlantic for a single race feels like a lot of effort and energy spent, especially when my form hasn’t been where I want it to be. But, Beaver Creek is a slope that suits my style, so I’m hoping for a good performance.
**(Interviewer):** You bring up a good point about the effects of travel, coupled with the race schedule itself. Do you feel like the current World Cup format is sustainable in the long term, considering the environmental impact and the toll on athletes?
**(Manuel Feller):** That’s a question for the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) to answer. There’s no doubt that air travel contributes to climate change, something that directly affects us skiers. We need snow, and climate change threatens that. It’s a balance that needs to be addressed.
**(Interviewer):** We appreciate your honesty and insight, Manuel. Wish you the best for Beaver Creek!
**(Manuel Feller):** Thanks!