Start numbers: Everyone is only talking about Hirscher

The first race of the season in the Ski World Cup is history since Saturday and ended with the victory of Federica Brignone. On Sunday, however, all eyes on Marcel Hirscher on the Rettenbachferner are on. This started with the start number draw the evening before.

26 October 2024

From Sölden

From:
David Lechthaler

Whoever you talk to these days: The number one topic is and remains Marcel Hirscher. No comeback by Lucas Braathen or a Marco Odermatt, who finished the men’s season with Number 1 will open. Marcel Hirscher comes due to a wildcard with the number 34. 500-point drivers like Vincent Kriechmayr or Linus Straßer were ranked ahead of him, but the starting position is still more than good.

Hirscher has a lower number than Lucas Braathen, which has the number 41 will make his World Cup debut for Brazil. To receive a wildcard, you must have been officially inactive for at least 2 years, but not longer than 10 years. During the "first" career, the athlete must have celebrated significant successes, such as an overall World Cup victory or a gold medal at the Olympic Games. This new rule was only decided in the summer of 2024.

Lucas Braathen will also make his comeback – for Brazil. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Whatever the case, Hirscher himself announced on Friday: "Now I'm going down this slope. Then we'll all know more. There will only be more reporting and talking about it." The winner of 67 World Cup races is right about that.

"Now I'm going down this slope. Then we'll all know more." Marcel Hirscher

Whether fans or media representatives - many people in Sölden are asking themselves these days: Why is he doing this again? Will he even make it into the top 30? Is it just a marketing strategy to push his ski company Van Deer? After more than five years of abstinence, Hirscher is celebrating his return on Sunday - and for the Netherlands.

Vinatzer South Tyrol's Hope

Italy's best technician at the moment is without a doubt Alex Vinatzer. The Val Gardena native improved greatly in the giant slalom last season and, according to his own statements, "worked even harder" in the summer. Vinatzer explained to SportNewsthat he has high goals for the season: "My goal is to get into the top 7 in both the slalom and giant slalom rankings. That's why I would like to start tomorrow with a top 10 result. Another World Championship medal is my big goal."

Alex Vinatzer wants to be in the top 7 in both the slalom and giant slalom rankings this year. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

He said of Hirscher's comeback: "Marcel is a racing pig. That's why you never know what's coming." He doesn't think Braathen will be able to perform at his best at the start: "I don't think he's ready yet. I've seen him in training. And he's not starting with a good number." Alex Vinatzer himself comes on Sunday with starting number 14. The second South Tyrolean, Hannes Zingerle, immediately follows Hirscher with the 35.