Hirscher still has his sights set on the start in Sölden. The eagerly awaited comeback of Marcel Hirscher at the World Cup opener in Sölden on October 27th is still in limbo. “Sölden would be my plan and my wish. But I can’t answer that today,” explained the 35-year-old on Monday evening on ServusTV. The Salzburg native, who is starting for the Netherlands, is still looking for the perfect setup for his body and material. “It would be a nice start for my passion project. Definitely,” emphasized Hirscher, who is skiing on skis from his own brand Van Deer. “Unless I feel like I’m actually somewhat ready for it, I won’t do it.” Water level reports are currently meaningless. “I really have to see week after week, day after day, where the journey ultimately takes me,” emphasized the 67-time World Cup winner, who came to train on the Rettenbachferner above Sölden on Monday. “Sooner or later I’ll be there because it’s my wish and because I really want to.”
The grandmaster of the ten years, who actually ended his career in 2019, noted a “serious difference” from the old days. “Five years ago it was all about skiing, skiing, skiing. Now, for me, it’s much, much more important than being fast between red and blue.” Contrary to other opinions, it is anything but easy for him to return to the top of the world. “Believing that it’s easy going anyway, that’s just not it. Not for me either.” His conclusion after training in New Zealand and Europe: “A top 15 place would not be realistic at the moment. There are still four seconds to catch up.”
The fact that he was able to pull himself out of the starting gate thanks to a wildcard issued by the FIS was “basically a really cool story for the sport,” said Hirscher. “Because maybe Felix (Neureuther, note) is also ready to say, hey, I want to go on a trip to Kitzbühel again.” The World Cup in Saalbach in February is also an issue for him. “I believe that I will qualify for the World Championships because the competition in my own country, i.e. in the Dutch Ski Association, is not too great.”
One person who is looking forward to seeing each other again on the slopes is Henrik Kristoffersen. Once Hirscher’s rival, the Norwegian has been driving the Van Deer ski since 2022 and would essentially have to deal with his boss. The three-time overall Slalom World Cup winner sees himself prepared for possible duels. “I hope I can do it. I want to beat the boss, that’s the best feeling. Definitely,” he explained in the Tyrolean daily newspaper
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Hirscher’s High-Stakes Comeback: What You Need to Know
Marcel Hirscher, the skiing world’s most decorated athlete, has left fans on the edge of their seats with his latest update on his highly anticipated comeback at the World Cup opener in Sölden on October 27th. The 35-year-old, who retired in 2019, is reportedly still working towards his goal of returning to the top of the skiing world, but ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ laced his recent interview on ServusTV.
Hirscher, who is set to represent the Netherlands and ski under his own brand, Van Deer, is being cautiously optimistic about his chances. While he has expressed his desire to participate in the Sölden event, he has also made it clear that he needs to feel ‘somewhat ready’ before he commits to the competition.
What’s striking about Hirscher’s remarks is his shift in focus from the all-consuming need for speed to a more holistic approach to the sport. He emphasized that it’s no longer just about being the fastest between red and blue, but about finding a balance that works for him. This new perspective is likely to resonate with fans who have watched him grow from a driven young athlete into a wise and experienced veteran of the sport.
Hirscher’s candid assessment of his current abilities is also noteworthy. He bluntly stated that a top-15 finish is unrealistic at this point, acknowledging that he needs to catch up on at least four seconds to be competitive. This honesty is refreshing, especially in an era where athletes are often reluctant to admit their weaknesses.
One interesting subplot to Hirscher’s comeback is the potential impact on his fellow competitors, particularly Henrik Kristoffersen, who now skis for Van Deer. It’ll be intriguing to see how their relationship evolves, particularly if they find themselves on opposite sides of the ski gates.
Ultimately, Hirscher’s decision to pursue a comeback at the World Cup level is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport. While it’s unclear whether he will be ready to participate in Sölden or achieve his goal of qualifying for the World Championships, one thing is certain – Marcel Hirscher’s return to competitive skiing is a story that will continue to captivate fans for months to come.
What’s next for Hirscher? Stay tuned for further updates on his comeback journey, and don’t miss the potential showdown between Hirscher and Kristoffersen on the slopes. The skiing world is once again abuzz with excitement, and Marcel Hirscher is at the center of it all.