“Don’t know if that was necessary”
World Cup opener in Sölden – ski ace criticizes the change
October 17, 2025 – 3:21 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The World Cup starts in Sölden at the end of October. However, the course of the giant slalom has changed. An experienced athlete criticizes this: Manuel Feller.
On the weekend of October 25th and 26th it starts again on the slopes in Sölden: the best of the best duel in the giant slalom at the start of the World Cup. However, there is a change to the route. Not everyone likes this.
The Austrian Manuel Feller criticizes the organizers regarding the three built-in bumps at the end of the lower section of the route. The 2018 Olympic silver medalist complained on ORF: “I don’t know whether it was necessary to insert something like that in the first race at 3,000 meters shortly before the finish.”
The 33-year-old then explained: “There is a certain risk involved. Especially in the second round.” Why? In the second round, the rankings go from back to front. In other words: the best ski racers come to the end and then ski in the shade. The more difficult lighting conditions coupled with the speed could lead to problems.
Referring to the section of the route, Feller explained: “I’m not the biggest fan of it. But it’s the same for everyone and we’re trying to adapt to it.” The race in Sölden has never been Feller’s favorite race. The Austrian has raced there eight times so far – his best result was 12th place in 2019.
That’s why he said: “It won’t be a love relationship anymore.” Things didn’t go well for Feller in the giant slalom last season either. At first he wanted to stop, but then decided otherwise.
The upcoming season will also see the Winter Olympics take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. After that it could be over for Feller. At least he is fueling speculation about a possible end to his career after the season because he also told ORF: “This is almost certainly my last Sölden race.”