Hirscher Strikes Again: Van Deer-Red Bull Sports Signs Norwegian Rising Star Eirik Hystad Solberg

Marcel Hirscher’s Van Deer-Red Bull Sports is rapidly turning into the ultimate destination for alpine skiing’s next generation. Just hours after securing the signature of Norwegian prodigy Hans Grahl-Madsen, the brand has announced another massive coup: 23-year-old Norwegian technical specialist Eirik Hystad Solberg will also ride on Van Deer equipment next season.

The double-swoop signals a definitive shift in Hirscher’s future strategy, firmly pivoting the brand's focus toward grooming the sport's future icons.

The Next Step to the Podium

Solberg has long been heralded as one of Norway’s brightest prospects in slalom and giant slalom. Having already secured four top-10 finishes on the World Cup circuit, the young Norwegian has proven he has the raw pace to compete with the absolute best. Known for his highly dynamic skiing style and fierce technical precision, Solberg is widely expected to make the leap from rising talent to genuine podium contender.

The move puts an end to weeks of intense speculation. Roughly fourteen days ago, Solberg shocked the skiing community by announcing an abrupt split from his long-term equipment supplier, Fischer.

"In the future, Solberg will rely entirely on the engineering and innovation of Marcel Hirscher’s Van Deer-Red Bull Sports project."

A Strategic Reorientation

This signing comes at a pivotal crossroads for Hirscher's young company. Following the departure of Norwegian veteran Henrik Kristoffersen, Van Deer needed to re-evaluate its sporting blueprint. Rather than chasing established, late-career stars, Hirscher is doubling down on a youth movement—and he is looking directly at Scandinavia to do it.

Emerging European Cup Standout

Norway remains arguably the most fertile breeding ground for technical skiing talent in the world. By locking down both Grahl-Madsen and Solberg in the span of a single day, Van Deer has effectively cornered a massive share of Attacking Vikings' future stock.

More Than a Boutique Brand

What started as a passion project for the eight-time overall World Cup champion has rapidly evolved into a disruptive force. Industry insiders no longer view Van Deer as a niche, boutique manufacturer riding on a superstar's name; it is now a legitimate threat to the traditional powerhouse ski brands.

For Solberg, the partnership opens up an enviable chapter. He will now head into the upcoming winter armed with state-of-the-art material and direct development insights from one of the greatest ski racers to ever live. The expectations are undeniably high, but all eyes will be on the young Norwegian to see if Hirscher's magic touch can transform him into the World Cup's next dominant force.