Ferdl, Leo and Snow

Hirscher visits his animals: “They’ve grown so big”

Marcel Hirscher was visibly happy with his animals.(Bild: Instagram.com/marcel_hirscher)

"They've grown so big," marvels Marcel Hirscher. The neo-Dutchman in the ski circus visited his three reindeer, which he received for his three victories, to get in the mood for Sunday's slalom in Levi.

"I've arrived in Lapland and reunited with my family," Hirscher wrote on Instagram. He also appears to be in a great mood and delighted to see Ferdl, Leo and Snow again. That's what he has named the animals - in the best Levi tradition - for his victories there in 2013, 2016 and 2018. "They've grown up so much," says Marcel happily and wonderingly: "They're healthy, strong and full of spirit." Yes, it looks like a successful reunion.

Gauge
A few days ago, Hirscher confirmed that he would also be competing in the Slalom in Levi after making his comeback in Sölden following a five-year absence from the World Cup. "Levi, like Sölden, is an indicator of where I stand athletically after the extremely long absence," explained Hirscher, who finished 23rd in the Sölden giant slalom on his comeback.

"I'm making steady progress with my equipment and my skiing, and I'm happy with that," said Hirscher after "great training days in World Cup conditions" on the Kitzsteinhorn and Reiteralm. He has triumphed three times (2013, 2016, 2018) on the "Levi Black" slope.