Ski superstar Marcel Hirscher: He is aiming for a comeback of the century. © Instagram

Wild Hirscher rumors make waves

The new World Cup season begins at the end of October with the giant slalom in Sölden. The skiing world is particularly excited about Marcel Hirscher's comeback. But now there are wild rumors.

September 23, 2024

From: det

There's no doubt about it: Marcel Hirscher's return to the ski circus is a comeback of the century. The eight-time Austrian overall World Cup winner wants to attack again five years after his retirement - for his mother's home country, the Netherlands.

At the end of October, Hirscher is set to return to the big ski stage for the first time. Or is he not? Wild rumors are coming from Switzerland. The well-informed ski scene View headlined in its online edition: “Doubts are emerging about Marcel Hirscher’s comeback.” The tabloid cites eyewitness reports from New Zealand, where Hirscher completed a training camp in August.

Slower than Alice Robinson?

According to the report, the 35-year-old had "glaring" problems with the equipment. Alice Robinson, giant slalom specialist from New Zealand, is said to have driven faster times than Hirscher. "That is why there are increasing voices saying that Hirscher's comeback attempt is just a PR stunt," writes the Look.

Marcel Hirscher will return to the ski stage. © APA/afp / JURE MAKOVEC

Hirscher trained in New Zealand for two weeks, but had to abandon the camp early due to poor snow conditions and no racing. When asked by the Austrian portal OE24 The Hirscher team replied that the calculated worries were unfounded. Nevertheless, they are keeping the possibility of starting at the World Cup opening in Sölden open. The superstar will only compete if he feels ready.

Neureuther defends Hirscher

One person who firmly believes in Marcel Hirscher is his colleague Felix Neureuther. The former German slalom specialist defended the Austrian. "I recently saw a recent picture of Marcel on Instagram. His thighs are absolutely gigantic, he is in absolutely top physical shape," said Neureuther. One thing is certain: things remain really exciting around Marcel Hirscher and the comeback of the century.