“For me, he is capable of winning from a standing start. He will be one of the winning runners from the first races onwards,” Maier predicted to the Kurier (Friday edition). “And if he makes his comeback, as he calls it, a few years longer, then the Stenmark record of 86 World Cup victories is also possible.”
Maier believes that the 67-time World Cup winner Hirscher is in top shape and competitive. “He didn’t suddenly start skiing again, but was constantly at it. He developed his skiing skills, did a lot of off-road skiing and was also compared to Henrik Kristoffersen, Alexis Pinturault or a few others. In truth, he knows everything now exactly where he’s hanging around.”
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The hustle and bustle surrounding the Hirscher comeback is a bit too much for “Herminator”. “His main sponsor (Red Bull; note) is known for embellishing such a story in all its facets. I still think that the whole thing annoys some people.” Maier therefore feels sorry for current top runners. “If I were Manuel Feller and, as a bullet winner and the best slalom skier in the world, had to answer questions about Hirscher, then that would get on my nerves terribly.”
Good advice. The questions about Hirscher were “annoying in a certain way,” Feller admitted at his outfitter’s opening event. The topic still doesn’t cause him to do much more than shrug his shoulders. “I’ve gotten older too, and now I don’t really care about anything.” He has a friendship with Hirscher. “It’s cool that I’m seeing him more often again. He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore, if he’s having fun doing it, he should do it.”
Maier, however, wonders why the ÖSV is leaving the communicative stage to its former driving force before the upcoming highlight in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. “I don’t know what’s going on: But the Austrians are in obscurity. We have a home World Cup this year and you won’t notice anything about the Austrian runners,” said the 51-year-old.
The Resurgence of a Legend: Marcel Hirscher‘s Sensational Comeback
As a renowned sports analyst, I have been following the developments in the Alpine skiing world, and one name continues to make headlines: Marcel Hirscher. The Austrian skiing legend, widely regarded as the greatest Alpine skier in history, has been making waves with his recent comeback announcement. According to Skiracing.com, Hirscher, an eight-time overall World Cup winner, has decided to return to World Cup racing for the 2024-25 season, but this time, he’ll be representing the Netherlands, not Austria [[2]].
Hirscher’s decision to come out of retirement has sent shockwaves throughout the skiing community, with many experts and fans alike speculating about his chances of success. One notable figure, Maier, has predicted that Hirscher will be a winning runner from the first races onwards, citing his exceptional physical condition and competitive spirit. Maier even goes as far as suggesting that Hirscher could potentially break the record of 86 World Cup victories held by Stenmark, if he continues his comeback for a few more years.
What’s remarkable about Hirscher’s situation is that he hasn’t been inactive during his hiatus. As Maier pointed out, Hirscher has been consistently working on his skiing skills, engaging in off-road skiing, and maintaining his physical fitness. This level of dedication and passion for the sport is a testament to Hirscher’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has taken notice of Hirscher’s intentions, granting him a wild card that will allow him to participate in World Cup events without needing to earn FIS points in other competitions [[3]]. This move is a clear indication of the FIS’s recognition of Hirscher’s stature in the sport and their willingness to accommodate his return.
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, the question on everyone’s mind is: can Marcel Hirscher regain his former glory and continue to dominate the skiing world? With his impressive track record, which includes 67 World Cup wins and eight overall World Cup crowns [[1]], it’s difficult to bet against him. One thing is certain, however: the return of Marcel Hirscher will undoubtedly inject new life into the Alpine skiing scene, and we can’t wait to see how this thrilling chapter unfolds.