Competitors celebrate Hirscher's return: "A dream comes true"

Opinions differ slightly as to what level the 35-year-old is currently at and what he can achieve in terms of sport. However, his colleagues have more respect and admiration for the Salzburg native, who is once again electrifying the skiing world after a five-year absence.

For Lucas Braathen, who is making his comeback this year, the matter is clear: Hirscher's return is "a dream come true," said the Norwegian, who now competes for Brazil. "Together with Ted Ligety, he is the skier I have studied the most in my career. Marcel inspired me even before I got into the World Cup. But one thing was missing: I never really had the chance to compete with him."

How good is the form? The return of his long-time rival and friend is a "huge story," said Felix Neureuther. Hirscher is "exactly one of the characters and protagonists that we urgently need." Manuel Feller also sees the reunion with Hirscher as positive - for very personal reasons. The Tyrolean is a former teammate and buddy of the seven-time world champion. The two have "always been good friends," emphasized Feller. Even their children "go play together more often because our two wives know each other better."

Former rivals: Marcel Hirscher and Felix Neureuther © APA / HANS KLAUS TECHT

However, there is speculation about the form of the eight-time overall World Cup winner. This was fuelled by Hirscher himself, as he gave almost no interviews and when he did, he did not talk about times or goals. His physical condition is no longer comparable to that before his retirement five years ago, and the work on adjusting the equipment is far from complete, explained the still dogged inventor.

To make matters worse, he was only able to complete a few days of training on snow due to illness. But the main focus of his project is to have fun. "I don't know how fit he is yet. But I think it's great that he's racing again," said US star Mikaela Shiffrin. "He was the best skier in the world for eight years, so you can expect him to do anything - including wins. Of course, you can't expect him to come back the way he left off. But he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore," said Feller about the new star of the Dutch ski team. "For me, he is capable of winning straight away." Herrmann Maier Hermann Maier, another Austrian skiing giant, recently caused a stir with his assessment. "I think he is capable of winning straight away. He will be one of the winning skiers from the very first races," predicted the winner of 54 World Cup races in an interview with Kurier. Hirscher has 67 victories to date - according to Maier, there could be more to come. "He didn't suddenly start skiing again, he was always involved. He developed further as a skier, spent a lot of time off-piste and was compared to Henrik Kristoffersen, Alexis Pinturault and a few others."

Is Hirscher understating things? Last week, Hirscher also trained with the Austrians in Sölden and got a direct comparison. "I doubt whether he gave it his all," said ÖSV Alpine boss Herbert Mandl, watching from the sidelines. But even before his supposed retirement, Hirscher was often not among the fastest when he trained with the team. "He was always a bit of a low-flyer," said Neureuther. "But he always did well with that, and it may also take some of the pressure off him."

Stefan Kraft believes Hirscher is capable of "exactly what he says. I believe him when he says he's still missing something, and if he gets into the 15th place, it'll be good," said the ski jumper. It's something different to be at the top with number 30. "He knows he has to take 100 percent risks, mistakes will happen. He's not used to it anymore, he hasn't raced in five years. That does something to you. So it's not just a joke that he might not make it to the second round." However, he does believe Hirscher is capable of podium places. "It's definitely very exciting. I'll definitely turn on the TV when Marcel races."

Only Hirscher will decide whether he is ready to return in Sölden. He will take as much time as possible with the decision. Hirscher will only start if he really feels comfortable and competitive. The first giant slalom and the first competition of the season is scheduled for Sunday. The Salzburg native competed in his last race in 2019. On March 17, he finished 14th in the slalom at the World Cup final in Soldeu.

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Competitors celebrate Hirscher's return: "A dream comes true"

It is not even clear whether Marcel Hirscher will celebrate his comeback in the World Cup next weekend in Sölden. Nevertheless, the competition is already delighted that a figurehead is returning to the ski circus.

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