2024-11-24 13:30:00
Feller and Hirscher were eliminated
Last year’s winner Manuel Feller was eliminated in the first round, as were the returnees Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Marcel Hirscher.
Feller was one of the few to keep up with Noel on a part-time basis, but he caught up after a strong start and, after the giant slalom opener in Sölden and the Levi slalom, did not reach the finish line in the third race of the season. “That’s the sport of slalom, unfortunately that’s part of it,” said Feller on ORF, before then practicing gallows humor: “It was all tactics. Keeping self-confidence high, expectations low – that’s fine.” In the previous season, the winner of the discipline World Cup in the slalom never failed and always finished in the top five.
Hirscher is missing the fun
For Braathen, who is now competing for Brazil after a year out, it was the first setback after two fourth places, and for Hirscher, who is competing for the Netherlands, it was the second setback in the slalom. In Levi, the eight-time overall World Cup winner missed the second round in 46th place, this time he slipped on the ice slope. “So I’m a bit out of place. It’s not really fun,” said the 35-year-old. In the giant slalom in Sölden, Hirscher came in 23rd and had the third-best time in the second run, which he did much better.
Gstrein was the only Austrian to make it into the top ten. In addition to the Ötztaler, Dominik Raschner (+1.75), Joshua Sturm (+1.90), Adrian Pertl (+1.98) and Michael Matt (+2.03) are also hoping to improve their ranking in the second run. Combined Olympic champion Johannes Strolz was eliminated, as was Christian Hirschbühl. Both had already failed to make it into the decision in Levi and therefore have to wait for their first result of the season.
1732455990
#Noel #wins #Gurgl #slalom #Austrian #top #ten
What impact did Marcel Hirscher’s retirement have on the current skiing competition landscape, particularly for athletes like Manuel Feller?
**Interview with Ski Expert Dr. Julia Schneider on the Recent Sölden Results**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Schneider. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent performances in the skiing world, particularly the elimination of last year’s winner Manuel Feller and the absence of Marcel Hirscher in the recent Sölden event. What are your thoughts on Feller’s performance?
**Dr. Schneider:** Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. Manuel Feller’s first-round elimination at Sölden is certainly disappointing for him and his fans. He has had a lot of pressure on him since winning last year, and the stakes were high this time around. I think it was an unfortunate day for him, especially considering his strong reputation in the sport.
**Editor:** Yes, he finished 16th in Sölden, and reports indicate that he was frustrated, particularly by the media’s constant questions about Marcel Hirscher and the new “Van Deer” ski equipment. How do you think this impacts Feller mentally going forward?
**Dr. Schneider:** The mental aspect in skiing is crucial. It can be quite overwhelming to constantly be compared to a legend like Hirscher, especially given Hirscher’s incredible track record. Feller’s irritation with the media’s focus on Hirscher is understandable; it adds unnecessary pressure during what should be a focus on his performance and growth. He’ll need to refocus and use this experience as motivation rather than viewing it as a setback.
**Editor:** Speaking of Hirscher, it is noteworthy that he is no longer competing. How has his absence influenced the dynamics of the skiing competition?
**Dr. Schneider:** Hirscher’s retirement marked the end of an era in skiing. He set a high benchmark in terms of skill and consistency that all athletes, including Feller, are now grappling with. His absence opens the field for other players to emerge, but it also means there’s a greater expectation for athletes like Feller to step up. The current competitors are in a transition phase where they must find their footing without the shadow of Hirscher looming over them.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for Feller and other skiers as they look to the rest of the season?
**Dr. Schneider:** Feller will need to analyze his performance closely, consider adjustments in his technique or equipment, and importantly, build his mental fortitude. For other skiers, this is a season of opportunity. The competition is wide open, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the new frontrunners. Training, resilience, and learning from each race will be paramount.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Schneider, for sharing your insights on these developments in the skiing world. It’s certainly going to be an intriguing season ahead!
**Dr. Schneider:** Thank you! Looking forward to seeing how the athletes evolve throughout the season.
