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 does the challenging travel schedule affect the mental well-being of skiers, especially when performance is not meeting expectations?
Our guest today is Manuel Feller, Austrian alpine skier, to talk about the challenging travel schedule for this World Cup season.
**Interviewer:** Manuel, thanks for joining us. You’ve already traveled thousands of kilometers just for the first few races of the season – how impactful is this constant travel on you and your fellow skiers?
**Manuel Feller:** It’s definitely taxing, especially when you consider the environmental impact as well. We’ve already racked up 5,000 kilometers, crisscrossing Europe, and now we’re heading to the US for a single giant slalom race in Beaver Creek. It feels like a lot of effort for just one competition. [[1](https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/how-to-watch-fis-alpine-skiing-world-cup-schedule)]
**Interviewer:** So, flying across the Atlantic for just one race, especially when you’re not seeing the results you’d like – how does that affect your mindset?
**Manuel Feller:** It’s not ideal, especially when my form hasn’t been there for the first three races. But, Beaver Creek’s slope suits my style, so hopefully, this change will be what I need to turn things around.
**Interviewer:** We wish you the best of luck in Beaver Creek! Thank you for speaking with us today, Manuel.
**Manuel Feller:** My pleasure.
