With the hope of many ball wins Austria’s ski masters start into the World Cup winter on Sunday. Marcel Hirscher, seven times defending champion in the overall standings and reigning giant slalom and slalom champion, is once again the top favourite in the three standings.
Before the hustle and bustle really starts, ÖSV President Peter Schröcksnadel gives Austria’s biggest ski star a few tips on his way. “I gave Marcel a very clear tip about the overall World Cup,” Schröcksnadel told the Kronen Zeitung.
“I advise him not to set his sights on the overall World Cup. That would unnecessarily stress him out. As a young dad, he should choose certain races that he wants to drive and win. If it’s enough, okay. If not, okay. Marcel doesn’t always have to win, the others are good too.”
The 77-year-old sees Hirscher facing strong competition, such as Henrik Kristoffersen, who “will certainly be very strong”. Schröcksnadel doesn’t see a big chance for an overall World Cup winner in the women’s singles: “Difficult, we don’t have a real all-rounder. But I’m not worried about our ladies. “Especially because I think Anna Veith is as strong as she was before her injury.”