Felix Neureuther joked after Marcel Hirscher's comeback. © BR/Image Management

“I’m now going to be a downhill skier – for Jamaica.”

The news of Marcel Hirscher's planned comeback as an active ski racer moved the entire scene. Felix Neureuther & Co. have now responded to this.

24 April 2024

From: apa/dl

Hirscher comes back because he “enjoys” it. At least for the time being, it should not become a World Cup competition for the ski stars. The 35-year-old has already commented on his comeback.

In his first career, so to speak, Hirscher had Felix Neureuther as one of his main rivals between the goalposts. Like the Salzburg player, the Bavarian resigned in 2019; the two always had a friendly relationship with each other. Since he knows what Hirscher has achieved in his career, Neureuther doesn't want to underestimate the eight-time overall World Cup winner. “If someone can do it, then Marcel is the only one you can trust,” reported the Bayer, who has been 40 for four weeks.

“If anyone can do it, it’s Marcel.” Felix Neureuther

Neureuther does not think that the “neo-Dutchman” Hirscher’s campaign is purely a marketing campaign. “When Marcel is at the start, he wants to deliver.” Hirscher is in good physical shape because of the constant ski tests, as Neureuther said. Of course, the goal run is very training-intensive. “You have to score a lot to get the timing right. But when you make a comeback at 35, you are aware of these things. Then you feel like taking on the challenge and tackle it fully.”

Marcel Hirscher (left) and Felix Neureuther are considered good friends. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

Even though Hirscher will only start in FIS races, at least for the time being, the 13-time winner of World Cup races was “really happy about it. This is exactly what skiing needs in a time that is not easy.” Neureuther is heavily involved in the topics of the consequences of climate change and the sustainability of skiing.

2 stars are back

For himself, however, he ruled out a move similar to Hirscher's. “I’m going to be a downhill skier now, for Jamaica,” he joked. Like Hirscher, he also welcomed the comeback of 24-year-old Norwegian Lucas Braathen for Brazil, which was announced in March. “The two of them are incredibly good for skiing.”

“I can’t wait to race against you.” Lucas Braathen

Braathen reacted to Hirscher's comeback and was happy about it. “I have analyzed your performance throughout my career and tried to integrate some of it into my movement. I've always said that it's a big wish of mine to have the chance to race against you. I can't wait to race against you. See you soon."

Lucas Braathen will often train with Marcel Hirscher in the future. © APA/BARBARA GINDL / BARBARA GINDL

Braathen thus fueled rumors that he and Hirscher could train together. The Norsker posted a photo from the Alta-Badia World Cup 2022 that shows him and Hirscher.