Manuel Feller / GEPA pictures
Austrian slalom star, 2026 Olympic Team Combined silver medalist and 2024 World Cup slalom champion Manuel Feller will not compete again this winter, bringing his 2025–26 World Cup season to an early close as he shifts his full focus toward recovery.
The Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) confirmed the decision on Wednesday in a press release, stating that the 33-year-old will skip both the upcoming World Cup races in Kranjska Gora and the season-ending Finals in Norway.
“It was a very challenging season for me, both mentally and physically,” Feller said. “I will not be starting in Kranjska Gora or at the World Cup Finals.”
A challenging season
Feller’s winter began with difficult results. In his first six races before the New Year, the Tyrolean recorded three DNFs, two 11th-place finishes, and a 26th-place result.
Another disappointment followed in the Adelboden giant slalom when he failed to qualify for the second run. But the experienced technical specialist regained momentum shortly afterward on the demanding Chuenisbärgli slope, finishing fifth in the Adelboden slalom.
Two weeks later came one of the defining moments of his career. Racing in front of a home crowd at the Hahnenkamm races, Feller captured victory in the Kitzbühel slalom, one of the most prestigious events on the World Cup calendar.
Olympic silver highlight
The Olympic Games in Italy provided another major moment. Feller partnered with Vincent Kriechmayr to win silver in the team combined event, giving Austria a podium finish at the Winter Games.
His Olympic slalom, however, ended in disappointment after a DNF in the first run.
Mental and physical strain
In comments released by the Austrian federation, Feller also spoke openly about the mental challenges he has faced in recent months.
“Over the years I’ve developed mental challenges that became particularly difficult last fall,” he said. “I consciously stepped back and worked on myself. I kept fighting and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made on and off the slopes.”
After the Olympics, he said the signals from his body and mind were clear that a break was necessary.
Surgery planned during recovery
Feller has dealt with several physical issues in recent years, including persistent sciatica caused by multiple herniated discs. He has also recently been battling a hernia and inflammation of the pubic bone.
According to the federation, the upcoming break will be used for medical treatment and recovery. Feller is expected to undergo back surgery and may also require surgery related to the groin injury.
The goal is to allow the Austrian veteran to fully recover and return to the World Cup circuit next season in optimal condition.
Information in this report is based on a press release from the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV).