Felix Neureuther jokes after Hirscher's comeback: "I'll now be a downhill skier for Jamaica"

On the Internet, there were more reactions to the sensational coup in traditional media and from fans than from the current slalom and giant slalom elite.

This may also be because Hirscher is coming back because it is “fun” for him and he will not be a World Cup competitor, at least for the time being.

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.

Neureuther doesn’t think that the “neo-Dutchman” Hirscher’s campaign is purely a marketing campaign. “When Marcel is at the start, he wants to deliver.”

Hirscher’s good physical condition is due to the constant ski tests, as Neureuther said. Of course, the goal run is very training-intensive. “You have to score a lot of goals to get the timing right. But when you make a comeback at the age of 35, you are aware of these things. Then you are up for the challenge and tackle it fully.”

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

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.”

Marcel Hirscher on Lucas Braathen: “I am impressed by his big decision”

SALZBURG. The surprising return of slalom star Lucas Braathen to the ski circus doesn’t leave Marcel Hirscher indifferent either.

Marcel Hirscher on Lucas Braathen: “I am impressed by his big decision”

Braathen reacted to Hirscher’s comeback and was happy about it. “I’ve analyzed your performances throughout my career and tried to incorporate some of that 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 drive against you. See you soon.”

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.