Marcel Hirscher cancels Sölden comeback due to training gaps

Marcel Hirscher, the eight-time World Cup overall champion, has canceled his planned comeback for the giant slalom in Sölden this Sunday. His management announced the decision on Saturday, citing insufficient training volume following a long competitive hiatus.

During recent time trials on the Rettenbachferner glacier with the Austrian Ski Federation, Hirscher determined that the time gaps between himself and the top competitors were too large. The decision also involves strategic management of his FIS wildcards; the International Ski Federation grants him only four wildcards per discipline per season, which can only be renewed by finishing in the top 30.

Despite this setback, the 37-year-old, who now competes under the Dutch flag, intends to participate in both slalom and giant slalom events this season.