Overview

• Marcel Hirscher, an eight-time World Cup champion, returned to skiing after retiring in 2019, now representing the Netherlands due to his Dutch heritage.
• Hirscher's comeback at the Sölden World Cup opener saw him finish 23rd, earning points and drawing significant media attention.
• Lucas Braathen, another returning skier, competed for Brazil and narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.
• The race was marked by surprises, including the early exit of Swiss favorite Marco Odermatt and underwhelming performances from other top contenders.
• The introduction of new Wildcards by the International Ski Federation allowed Hirscher to compete, highlighting his shift in focus from winning to enjoying the sport.