A change with far-reaching consequences: Ski superstar Henrik Kristoffersen changes equipment. In the future, the Norwegian will, of all things, strap the skis of his former competitor Marcel Hirscher under his feet.
Henrik Kristoffersen is now driving off the slopes of this world with the Van Deer brand. This was announced by the company founded by Marcel Hirscher last year on Saturday.
Speculations about the possible cooperation had already made the rounds in mid-May. However, since Hirscher’s skis have never been used in a World Cup race before, Kristoffersen’s change comes as a surprise. However, the Norwegian seems to have been convinced of the material’s potential.
“It’s a great opportunity to take things to a new level,” confessed the new workhorse. Hirscher, who had been in close duels with Kristoffersen for many years, emphasized: “It’s a friendship that began as a fair rivalry. Now it’s time to win together.” It was “incredible” that an athlete like Kristoffersen could be included “at such an early stage in our project”.
Hirscher brought the ÖSV sports director on board
The 27-year-old drove with Rossignol for almost 19 years, although there have been repeated disagreements between him and the manufacturer in recent years.
In the spring of 2021, the ski superstar had publicly questioned his material several times, whereupon Rossignol racing boss Stephane Mougin found clear words and demanded that the criticism should no longer be expressed publicly in future, but instead addressed internally. The end of the collaboration was finally announced on Friday.
Two more athletes are already under contract at Van Deer in Kristoffersen’s compatriot Timon Haugan and Brit Charlie Raposo. In addition, Marcel Hirscher had already brought the former ÖSV sports director on board in Toni Giger in order to make his new brand competitive.