Marcel Hirscher starts his comeback on Sunday

Marcel Hirscher's announcement that he would return to the Alpine Skiing World Cup five years after retiring from professional sport is already several months old. But he didn't decide until half an hour ago whether he would take part in the opening race in Sölden. After a five-year break from the Alpine skiing circuit, he is obviously no longer at the peak of his former form. He doesn't want it to be a disgrace. Or is it all just a PR stunt? In any case, one can ask what the point of his return is, because at 35, he will soon be a retired athlete. It's quite funny that he is not competing for his former Austria team, but for the Dutch racing team. The reason for this is that Marcel Hirscher has a Dutch mother and didn't want to take a place from the young talents in the Austrian ski team. The wildcard was introduced by the FIS (International Ski Federation) - for his sake? - shortly before the season. This will allow Hirscher to secure a place at the front of the starting grid shortly after starting number 30, so it is said. This "favoritism" has met with considerable displeasure, particularly among the German ski team. Various representatives have criticized the way in which this wildcard was introduced by the FIS without consulting the drivers and teams, over the heads of the athletes. This has caused displeasure. One probably shouldn't expect too much anyway. The World Cup record holder is unlikely to set any records, but he is an incredible crowd puller. His goal, he says, is not to dominate the World Cup like he used to, but to reconcile family, sport and business. Hirscher is certainly using his presence in skiing to push his ski brand "Van Deer", which he founded after his retirement. We will know where Hirscher stands in terms of sport after the giant slalom race on Sunday in Sölden.