"Because it's fun"

Hirscher now talks about his comeback plan

Marcel Hirscher

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Dual national and skiing legend Marcel Hirscher is switching from the ÖSV to the Dutch federation. Now he explains his plans.

"I retired five years ago, now I'm 35 years old. That's also how I see my comeback: Above all, I want to have the opportunity to compete again, simply because I enjoy it. I have an excellent relationship with the ÖSV and am grateful for everything we have achieved. This new project is best realized as a Dutchman," Hirscher tells the Dutch Ski Association NSkiV.

Marcel Hirscher

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The future in the ÖSV belongs to the young athletes and that's why I don't want resources to be tied up, exceptional rules to be made or starting places to be kept free because of me.

Marcel Hirscher

In future, he wants to compete for the Netherlands, his mother's country of birth. After his retirement, Hirscher was more active in the background in the Ski World Cup. With the support of his long-standing sponsor Red Bull, he founded the ski company Van Deer, which equips two world-class athletes, Norwegians Henrik Kristoffersen and Timon Haugan. A comeback for the company boss is certainly a coup for the project in terms of marketing.

Marcel Hirscher

(Bild: GEPA Pictures, Adobe Stoickj, Krone KREATIV,)

"Having this opportunity creates the greatest synergy for everyone: the future in the ÖSV belongs to the young athletes and that's why I don't want resources to be tied up, exceptions made or starting places kept free because of me," says Hirscher.

Start at FIS races
The ÖSV has already written the necessary letter confirming the athlete's release and the FIS Executive Board will decide on the change to the license registration at its next meeting. If everything goes according to plan, Hirscher will soon be competing in FIS giant slalom and slalom races, revealed Van Deer race director Anton Giger. World Cup appearances are "already very far away" due to a starting number that is too high.

(Bild: APA/BARBARA GINDL)

Giger made a general effort to avoid raising expectations. "The races that Marcel will be competing in are not races that will be televised," said the former ÖSV coach. It is "an entry at FIS level, no more and no less", but at the same time "a great boost for skiing". "The main motivation is really that he simply wants to race and is passionate about this sport," emphasized Giger. "The other things will follow anyway."

In March, Norwegian-born Lucas Pinheiro Braathen had already announced that he wanted to compete in the World Cup again. In future, the technical specialist will be racing for Brazil, his mother's home country. A possible training partnership with Hirscher is being examined, said Patrick Riml, who looks after the ski stars supported by Red Bull. Braathen's coaching team will also include Michael "Mike" Pircher, Hirscher's successful coach of many years.

Joy at the Dutch Ski Association
There is great joy about Hirscher's comeback plans in the Netherlands. "The fact that Marcel Hirscher intends to compete for the Dutch Ski Association is an absolute honor and a boost of social value for our country. Marcel is a global icon and inspiration for all skiers: interest, enthusiasm and pride in the Netherlands will increase," said Frits Avis, Secretary General of the Nederlandse Ski Vereniging (NSV) in a press release.