Marcel Hirscher is set to make his big comeback in the Ski World Cup season, but doubts about his fitness are growing.

What happened?

The eight-time overall World Cup winner announced his comeback in April, but since then, there has been controversy over his wild card and concerns about his shape.
Marcel Hirscher had planned to compete in several Continental races in New Zealand in August, but he returned earlier than planned without any competition experience.

Why it matters for Marcel Hirscher

The technical specialist, now competing for the Netherlands, was observed during his training sessions, and "spies from other teams" reported that he had "glaring problems with the set-up of his equipment".
Marcel Hirscher also skied slower than the local giant slalom specialist Alice Robinson, fueling speculation that his comeback attempt is just a PR stunt.

What comes next?

The FIS will discuss the interpretation of the new wildcard rule, which may affect Marcel Hirscher's ranking, at their committee meetings in Zurich this week.
The rule would make it easier for him to return to the top of the world, but it is unclear whether he will be able to start with bib number 31 or a lower number.
Marcel Hirscher's fitness will be put to the test at the World Cup opener in Sölden in five weeks' time, where he will face top athletes and compete for a spot at the top.
The 35-year-old athlete has been training hard, but his performance in New Zealand has raised concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level.
As the Ski World Cup season approaches, Marcel Hirscher's fans will be watching closely to see if he can make a successful comeback and regain his position as a top athlete.
The new wildcard rule has sparked controversy, with some athletes criticizing the decision to give Marcel Hirscher a wild card, citing concerns about fairness and competition.
Marcel Hirscher's team has been working to address the equipment issues, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to overcome the challenges and achieve his goals.
The Ski World Cup season is set to start on October 22, and Marcel Hirscher will face stiff competition from other top athletes, including Alice Robinson.