Marcel Hirscher is set to make his comeback in the Ski World Cup this year. © APA / EXPA/JFK

Marcel Hirscher in Sölden? “Wouldn’t be smart”

Marcel Hirscher has fallen ill just four weeks before his highly anticipated World Cup comeback in Sölden.

01 October 2024

From: apa/dl

The 35-year-old from Salzburg, who is already listed on the FIS website as competing for the Netherlands, has been suffering from a dry cough and fever since last week. Of course, he still has plenty of time before the start of the giant slalom in Sölden on October 27th.

Former ÖSV President Peter Schröcksnadel advised Hirscher on Monday evening in the "Sport and Talk Special" on ServusTV not to return to Sölden, regardless of his illness. "Sölden is one of the most difficult races of all. He wouldn't be very smart if he were to ride there. It is the most difficult race and it is not wise to start in the most difficult race. Val d'Isere is also steep, but much easier to ride, swing after swing. Marcel certainly knows exactly what he is doing. If he wasn't sure that he would be at the front, he wouldn't ride," believes the North Tyrolean.

“Sölden is the most difficult race and it is not wise to start in the most difficult race.” former ÖSV President Peter Schröcksnadel

Former slalom World Cup overall winner Reinfried Herbst sees it similarly. "If Val d'Isere came first, it would be even more perfect. Because it's swing after swing, which is exactly his thing. That would be an even better fit in terms of entry, in terms of the desired character."

understanding of national change

Schröcksnadel expressed full understanding for the eight-time overall World Cup winner's change of nation. "I understand it because he wants a new environment. I believe he has made the right step. He has his coaches and everything is ready for him and he will not be distracted."

Marcel Hirscher could generate new ski fans in the Netherlands. © WWW.REDBULLMEDIAHOUSE.COM / LEGS OF STEEL

Hirscher also justified it by saying that he did not want to take a place away from anyone in the ÖSV. "He would not have taken a place away from anyone. He is so good that he is so far ahead that many would stay at home," Schröcksnadel speculated. He also sees a new type of fan: "Today you are for Bayern, no matter who plays there. I am a Messi fan, no matter where he plays. There will also be Hirscher fans. It will be more diverse and I think that is good." He also sees a "boost" for tourism from the Netherlands.