2016 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup: PreviewSeptember 21, 2015

Earthquake struck Chile, where the alpine skiers were training for the upcoming World Cup. They tweeted to assure their family, friends, and fans. The 50th edition of the annual circuit won't be interrupted by the World Championships or the Olympics. A couple of speed events will be held in Jeongseon Alpine Centre next February, the venue of the alpine skiing races of the 2018 Olympics. The final week of competition will take place in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

The World Cup kicks off in Solden, Austria on October 24. It will be a month away, which is a good time to look at how this year's prestigious event will turn out. Expect the following:

Marcel Hirscher will be the greatest male skier ever. The Austrian made history in Méribel, France last March. He became the first male skier to win the overall World Cup title four times in a row. This was a remarkable feat, as Hirscher competed in the slalom and giant slalom races. He's nearly invincible, and only Kjetil Jansrud can challenge him. Unless the native of Stavinger, Norway can win most of the speed races, his specialties, then expect Hirscher to pick up his fifth overall title. Perhaps he will reconsider his decision not to compete in Pyeongchang.

Anna Fenninger will win her third overall title in a row. Tina Maze, the 2013 overall winner, won't compete this season. Don't be surprised if the Slovenian ace will announce her retirement next year. It remains to be seen if Fenninger, who hails from Hallein, Austria, can do better than fellow Austrian Annemarie Moser-Pröll. Mikaela Shiffrin is the only one who stands in her way. The American, who won most of the slalom races during the last few years, competed in the giant slalom races last season. And she did quite well. Will she become an all-around skier? Time will tell.

Injury will keep Lindsey Vonn from the circuit this season. Vonn suffered a left ankle injury during training in Coronet Peak, New Zealand last month. The American was injured many times, and came back. After surpassing Moser-Pröll for the most World Cup victories, the only thing left for Vonn is to win the speed races in Pyeongchang. She might not match Janica Kostelić's record of four Olympic gold medals, but three won't be bad at all.

Watch out for the other contenders. Lara Gut of Switzerland had been on and off last season. She can be a threat to Fenninger if she's healthy. Tina Weirather, the daughter of Hanni Wenzel, had been sidelined with a leg injury. Expect to see more of her next season. Ted Ligety, the reigning Olympic champion in giant slalom, won one race last year. He's not down and out yet.

Aussies must wait for the next Zali Steggall. Steggall, who was born in Manly, New South Wales, won a bronze medal in women's slalom at the Nagano Olympics. This made her the most successful alpine skier from Down Under. Emily Bamford and Lavinia Chrystal are among the active Aussie skiers in the circuit. And they're doing fine. It will only be a matter of seconds.

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