Austrian speed specialist Georg Streitberger has been ordered to take a five-day break from training after being diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. An MRI conducted at Kettenbrucke hospital in Innsbruck confirmed the diagnosis this week.

“Currently, we do not have to intervene surgically. We will try to treat it conservatively,” said Dr. Michael Gabl. “But should the condition worsen, he will have to consider an operation.”

The 34-year-old winner of the 2014 Kvitfjell downhill had complained of back pain for three weeks but pushed on to compete in the speed openers at Lake Louise and also Beaver Creek. For an athlete who has made regular appearances inside the top 10, his Lake Louise placings in the 20s and two 17th-place results at Beaver Creek were disappointing.

“The diagnosis came as no surprise,” admitted Streitberger. “Now I will rest the next few days, and then I hope to be on skis again early next week. My goal is to be healthy again for Val Gardena.”

Swedish multi-event skier Magdalena Fjaellstroem will take a longer break as she recovers from swelling and pain in the same knee where she suffered an ACL injury last fall. Although she started in the Soelden opener and all three Aspen races, the 20 year old has failed to qualify for a second run this season.

Fjaellstroem will sit out of the home races in Are and will also miss the Courchevel GS as she focuses on healing. She hopes to return to the World Cup circuit in Lienz, Austria, on Dec. 28-29.

Release courtesy of ÖSV and the Swedish Ski Federation