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.
What effect have the long trips had on Manuel Feller’s skiing performance this season?
## Skiing’s Global Tour: An Interview with Manuel Feller
**Interviewer:** Manuel, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. You’re just about to head to Beaver Creek for the giant slalom. That’s a long trip for just one race.
**Manuel Feller:** It definitely is. We’ve already covered a massive 5,000 kilometers just with the first three World Cup stops, and now it’s off to the US. [[1](https://www.ski.com/)]
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that your form hasn’t been where you want it to be this season. How do these long trips affect your preparation?
**Manuel Feller:** The continuous travel is really tough on the body. It’s not ideal to be flying across the world for just one race. You need time to acclimate and get your body used to the new time zone and environment. ” “A lot of effort for just one race,” I’d say.
**Interviewer:** But Beaver Creek is a slope that suits you, right?
**Manuel Feller:** Yeah, it is. I’m hoping this could be the change I need. The giant slalom might be just what I need after those tough slalom races recently.
**Interviewer:** We’re all rooting for you, Manuel. Good luck in Beaver Creek!