We’ve talked a lot about two, sorry three, big comebacks this winter. But they are not the only ones returning to the snow. We take a look at other returnees as well as news who will be making their World Cup debut.
Christian Hirschbühl will celebrate his return to the World Cup in Levi after almost three years of absence. Unlike other much-talked-about skiers this season, it was a serious injury that sidelined him – a complex fracture of his right ankle and tibia in Wengen in January 2022 that required several operations and took a long time to repair. The skier from Vorarlberg was already due to return to Kranjska Gora in March but the race was canceled and it is therefore in Levi that he will return to the White Circus. “I’m really looking forward to racing again after such a long break. For a long time, it was not clear if I could return to competition,” rejoiced the 34-year-old slalom skier, who had scored his first victory two months before his injury. “The leg seems stable. I have made a lot of progress in recent weeks and I no longer feel pain when I ski. I feel ready physically and mentally for a return to the World Cup.”
His colleague Joshua Sturmwho tore a thigh muscle in training in September and missed the season opener in Sölden, will also be there in Lapland.
Among the ladies, a still unknown skier, Kathrin Stockwill be entitled to his first start in the World Cup. The 22-year-old from Salzburg belongs to an auxiliary group which trains with the Austrians but at her own expense and without officially being part of the team. Although she has mainly competed in FIS races and has never scored points in the European Cup, she stood out during internal qualifications and will make her first turns on the White Circus in Levi. “Making the qualification was a surprise. But it’s a great chance to taste the world of stars and see what a World Cup is like,” she said.
Two other hopes, Maya Waroschitzdouble gold medalist at the Youth Olympic Games, and Natalie Falch will take part in their second race among the skiing elite in Finland. Lisa Hörhager could however miss the call after hurting his shoulder during qualifying. She will decide on the spot whether or not she will start.
In bulk…
- A person who is not yet thinking about a comeback is Anna Veith. The Olympic champion and two-time big Globe winner fueled the rumor mill when she announced a collaboration with ski brand Kästle last week. The Salzburger, previously with Head, retired in 2020. But given the rumors (since confirmed!) concerning a potential return of Lindsey Vonn, the question immediately arose whether the Austrian intended to do the same. Anna Veith, who had her second child in March, denied it. But she wouldn’t be against the idea, perhaps in the more distant future. “It’s ruled out for now. But you never know.” The video that Kästle published on social networks in any case proves that his form on skis is still there.
- Johannes Lamparter definitely has bad luck. The Nordic combined world champion is fighting to get back into shape after a nasty inflammation in his right knee at the end of the summer. “I stayed in bed for a month and I didn’t know if I could start this winter,” he told the daily Delivery man. The 23-year-old skier, winner of the Crystal Globe in 2023, has since returned to training and will be in Ruka in two weeks for the season opener, but without great expectations. “His level is still very low,” said his coach Christoph Bieler. Often slowed down by health problems during his career, Johannes Lamparter is aiming to return to the top in time for the World Championships in Trondheim in February. In the meantime, his colleague Stefan Rettenegger is ready to put the turbo on. The 22-year-old from Salzburg exploded in the World Cup last winter, surpassing his compatriot to finish 2nd in the general ranking behind Norwegian Jarl Magnus Riiber. Still without a victory despite 11 podiums, he worked on his weak points this summer with the aim of finally winning a World Cup and in the process a medal at the Worlds if possible.
- Hard blow for the ski cross world vice-champion Katrin Ofner. The 34-year-old skier was injured during training last week on the Pitztal glacier. Result: a fracture of the tibial plateau in the right knee which required an operation and forced leave of several months. Frustrating news for the Styrian, who was delighted with a good summer preparation after a disappointing season. She has already promised a comeback.
Sim Sim Wissgott, Vienna
Swiss
