BORMIO, Italy (AP) — French standout Cyprien Sarrazin is currently recovering from surgery after suffering a head injury during training for the World Cup downhill race on the Stelvio slope, which will be the site of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 30-year-old skier, who won the downhill event in Bormio last year, sustained the injury during his second training session on December 27, 2024, prompting concerns about the safety of the ski course.
According to reports from the French Ski Federation (FFS), Sarrazin was airlifted to the hospital after crashing, conscious but diagnosed with a subdural hematoma—bleeding near the brain. The FFS stated, “Following examinations, it has been decided... to operate on Cyprien this evening to drain the subdural hematoma,” indicating the severity of his condition.
Pietro Zazzi, another skier involved in the incident, also faced serious injuries—a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula of his right leg. Both athletes’ injuries have raised alarms about the preparation and safety measures on the Stelvio slope, leading to heated discussions among competitors.
Sarrazin's teammate, Nils Allègre, voiced his concerns post-accident, stating, “It’s been 40 years they have been preparing courses, but they don’t know how to do anything, apart from dangerous things,” emphasizing the need for improved safety protocol just one year away from the Olympic Games. “They don’t deserve to have the Olympic Games here,” he declared, underlining the gravity of the issue.
Race director Omar Galli responded to the criticisms by saying organizers have been working to upgrade safety features on the course, denying claims of poor preparation. “I would invite him [Allègre] to come here... and see how we manage to resolve things,” Galli remarked, defending the efforts put forth by his team amid challenging environmental conditions.
The events unfolded dramatically as Sarrazin, who was one of the favorites during the training sessions, lost control on the course due to hitting a bump, which sent him airborne before crashing down onto the protective netting. His incident was another example of the inherent risks involved in high-speed skiing, reinforcing the need for stringent safety measures as athletes gear up for the upcoming Olympic competitions.
Despite the harsh turn of events, Sarrazin remains one of the prominent figures on the World Cup circuit, having enjoyed his best season last year, capturing four victories—including three downhill races and one Super G. Nonetheless, he has yet to secure wins this season. The upcoming downhill race scheduled for Saturday and the Super G on Sunday remain on the calendar as the skiing community rallies for Sarrazin’s recovery.
A historical note adds to this incident; the Stelvio has been nicknamed one of the most challenging courses on the circuit, renowned not just for its steep drops but for its treacherous turns and unpredictable weather conditions. Just days before, the course had drawn several athletes, and it is with hope they regard it yet again for the Olympic events.
Adding to the day’s news, Swiss skier Yannick Chabloz announced his retirement at 25, citing his own struggles post-crash on the same slope two years prior, emphasizing the emotional toll these risks can take on athletes both physically and mentally. The Olympic Games are just on the horizon, placing the safety of athletes squarely at the forefront of discussions within the sport.
The men’s alpine skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place here in Bormio, whereas the women’s events will be hosted by Cortina d’Ampezzo, located five hours away by car, demonstrating the vast reach and coordination necessitated during such significant events.
“We know the Stelvio,” Galli said, reflecting on the storied reputation of the slope. “It’s not by chance it’s considered among the most difficult.” It is hoped the discussions and adjustments surrounding safety will create the safe environment these elite athletes deserve as they compete for the highest honors.
