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.
How have Manuel Feller’s performances been in the first three races of the season?
## Interview with Manuel Feller
**Interviewer:** Manuel, thank you for joining us. We know you’re heading to Beaver Creek later this week for the giant slalom. Can you tell us a little about your preparation for the event?
**Manuel Feller:** Well, I’m actually feeling a bit ambivalent about the trip to America. We’ve already logged 5,000 kilometers of travel across the globe for just the first three World Cup stops – Sölden, Levi, and Gurgl [[ref 1](https://alpeadventures.net/ski-colorado/)]which is pretty taxing on the body. It feels like a lot of effort to fly all the way to the US for just one race.
**Interviewer:** I see what you mean. It’s certainly a demanding schedule. How have the first three races gone for you personally?
**Manuel Feller:** To be honest, my performance hasn’t been where I wanted it to be. I struggled in the slalom races, so I’m hoping the giant slalom in Beaver Creek will be a fresh start. The slope there, at least, seems to suit my skiing style.
**Interviewer:** That’s great to hear. Do you find that the demanding travel schedule impacts your performance?
**Manuel Feller:** Absolutely. The constant travel takes a toll, not just physically, but mentally as well. It would be a welcome change to have a less demanding schedule, but for now we focus on doing our best, race by race.
**Interviewer:** We wish you the best of luck in Beaver Creek, Manuel. Hopefully, the slope will be kind to you.
**Manuel Feller:** Thanks, I appreciate it.
