The Bormio World Cup downhill ski races have recently come under increased scrutiny due to serious accidents and safety concerns surrounding the challenging course, particularly following the severe injury of French skier Cyprien Sarrazin during training.
On Saturday afternoon, the downhill race took place, with Swiss athlete Alexis Monney claiming victory. This was the third race of the winter season, following earlier events in Beaver Creek, USA, and Gröden, Italy. The atmosphere before the race was tense, mainly due to the frightening crash of Sarrazin the previous day.
Sarrazin, 30, suffered catastrophic injuries after losing control near the bottom third of the track. He hit the ground hard after going airborne over bumps, sliding several meters before breaking through safety nets. Fortunately, he was quickly airlifted to the hospital, where a subdural hematoma was diagnosed, leading to emergency surgery. Currently, he remains under medical care and is being treated on the neurological intensive care unit.
Other athletes reported falls as well, including Kyle Negomir and Josua Mettler, who also struggled at the same hazardous point but fortunately did not sustain as severe injuries as Sarrazin.
Keeping these incidents at the forefront, teammate Nils Allègre expressed frustration over the conditions, stating, "Man respektiert die Athleten nicht. Es ist nicht korrekt, unter solchen Bedingungen starten zu müssen. Sie wissen nicht, wie man eine Piste präpariert." These remarks highlight athletes' anxiety as they face the risks posed by the course.
Marco Odermatt, another elite skier, described the Bormio track as not just competitive but dangerous, stating, "Es ist ein Überlebenskampf. Vielleicht hat man kurz ein gutes Gefühl, wenn man im Ziel steht und weiß, dass man einigermaßen gut durchgekommen ist. But otherwise, it’s pretty tough from the start to the finish." He highlighted the psychological and physical strain athletes encounter throughout the run.
Adding to the concerns, skier Justin Murisier noted, "Im Fernsehen sieht man leider nicht, wie schwierig das Rennen ist. Wir Athleten sprechen oft vom 'Überleben', wenn wir unten angekommen sind," emphasizing how the viewers do not fully grasp the challenges skiers confront during the event.
FIS Race Director Markus Waldner acknowledged the alarming nature of the course, stating, "Die Strecke ist schwierig, das wissen wir ganz genau. Ich wünsche allen drei Verletzen alles Gute." He pointed out the necessity of adapting to the challenges presented by outdoor sports and emphasized the need for both athletes and officials to remain vigilant about equipment and safety protocols if they are to mitigate risks effectively.
Despite the dangerous conditions, the races continue to draw attention as elite athletes prepare for upcoming competitions, including the Olympic Alpine events set to take place at the same Bormio course from February 6-22, 2026. The accidents inevitably raise pressing questions about whether the current preparations and course settings are sufficient to protect the athletes who risk their lives for victory.
All these incidents and athlete remarks serve as stark reminders of the intrinsic dangers lurking within the sport. With the potential specter of the Olympic Games approaching, the conversation around safety at Bormio is more significant than ever, compelling organizers to reassess and reevaluate the future of downhill skiing at this renowned location.
