Felix Neureuther once made his big breakthrough as a ski star. Expert Marco Büchel only became aware of this when he made a discovery on ZDF.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Marco Büchel (52) and Felix Neureuther (40) actually didn't have much in common as skiers during their active days. In addition to the age difference, one specialized in speed racing and the other in technical disciplines. When Neureuther made his breakthrough and the Liechtensteiner announced his resignation a few weeks later, Büchel received 2 million views on ZDF.
Felix Neureuther makes a breakthrough in skiing – Marco Büchel ends his career
On January 24, 2010 in Kitzbühel the time had finally come: When Felix Neureuther celebrated his first victory in the Ski World Cup, Mama Rosi had completely different worries. At the World Cup final on March 13, 2010, he even followed up his next success in the slalom in his hometown of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In the 2009/10 season, at the age of 25, Neureuther managed to establish himself as a top skier in the World Cup.
While a new superstar shone in the ski sky, another went under. Marco Büchel announced the end of his career, “Büxi” drove his last race on March 11, 2010. Since then, the Kitzbühel winner and runner-up world champion has been analyzing the ski circus for the TV station ZDF.
Marco Büchel made 2 million observations when Felix Neureuther became a top skier
“When you were top of the world in the World Cup, I only checked that when I retired. When I worked at ZDF and observed the ratings,” Marco Büchel said to his guest Felix Neureuther in his podcast “Mensch, Büchel” and shared his 2 million observation. “If a Felix like that is at the start, the odds are two million higher. Were you aware of this pressure? That you are basically the 'savior' of the German Ski Association?"
Neureuther was a little embarrassed, but immediately clarified: “No, absolutely not. If you tell me like that now, I'll be honest, I'm really happy about it." The father of three Neureuther, who lets his wife Miri carry the children up the mountain, explained that he "of course already knew that when I'm at the start, the races will be broadcast.” Büchel repeated: “And the ratings are high.”
Felix Neureuther does it like Büchel: TV expert after retirement from skiing
“I didn’t really look at the odds,” said Neureuther, who is Germany’s most successful skier with 13 World Cup victories. “But you also notice that when you ski well, the officials in the German Ski Association say thank you. Or if there are sponsors.”
“I noticed, to be honest, when things went really well, how many inquiries came from sponsors,” said Neureuther, who initially
quarreled with his skiing youth: “It would be sour”. Like Büchel, who gave oppressive insights into the treacherous illness, Neureuther has also been working as a TV expert since retiring in 2019 - but for ARD.
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