The spoiled return of Marcel Hirscher

Let’s be honest: the announcement of the return of retiree Marcel Hirscher to the white circus, after five years of absence, is enough to make all alpine ski lovers fantasize. A bit as if Roger Federer took up his racket again to compete in a Grand Slam.

The king of skiing – eight-time winner of the great crystal globe – comes to challenge Prince Marco Odermatt, three consecutive victories overall. We’re already dreaming of taking out the popcorn or heating up the pot for the resumption of a thrilling duel on the slopes.

But the event is marred by a controversy that could clearly have been avoided. Especially exactly one year after the fiasco of the Zermatt events which spoiled the 2023-2024 school year. Shortly after the announcement of this incredible comeback of the ex-Austrian who will represent the Netherlands, the International Ski Federation (FIS) modified its regulations to roll out the red carpet for its former hero. By granting him a sacred privilege in passing: the former monarch will be able to set off with a bib number which greatly facilitates his return.

A “Lex Hirscher” who makes teeth cringe in the world of the white circus. We rightly cry about injustice. Did the 35-year-old athlete, in great physical shape, really need such a pass? As is often the case, commercial logic takes precedence. And destroys the sporting challenge here.

That of a comeback from the champion, who should have regained his place in the lower circuits. Or battle with the galley slaves of the white circus, the young people or the injured on their way back, to get invited to the second round and be able to challenge “Odi” in the World Cup.

Far from the cameras and the wallet. But it would have been too stupid to deprive oneself of a television exhibition by Marcel Hirscher which returns “for pleasure”. And to boost sales of his Van Deer brand, created just after his retirement?

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