Alexis Pinturault Back on Skis Post-Injury
Featured image: GEPA pictures
Seven months ago, Alexis Pinturault, a top French star in Alpine skiing, faced a significant setback. During the Super-G race in Wengen, he crashed, injuring his left knee. This injury required surgery and forced him to miss the rest of the season. Fans everywhere wondered when he would return to the sport he loves.
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First Turns in Cervinia
On August 28, 2024, Pinturault made his long-awaited return to skiing. He stepped into his bindings on the slopes under the majestic Matterhorn and took his first turns since the injury. At this moment, he made a significant step in his recovery. The snow-covered peaks of the Alps provided the perfect setting for his comeback.
Pinturault expressed excitement, saying, “Seven months after my operation, I’m thrilled to finally put my skis back on. Just being at the top of the slopes again, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, was a reward in itself.”
The Road Ahead
However, Pinturault knows that his recovery journey is far from over. He still faces the challenge of getting back to race ready. His knee responded well to the initial runs, but he remains cautious. Now, the focus is on how his knee will handle the increased training in the coming weeks.
“There’s still a long way to go before I’m back in race mode,” he noted. “Making those first turns is a significant milestone. My knee has responded well so far, but we’ll need to monitor how it handles the accumulation of days on skis and the return to regular training. For now, I’m satisfied with this first step.”
Next Stop: Ushuaia
Pinturault’s next move is to head to Ushuaia, Argentina, for a three-week training camp. This camp will be critical for rebuilding his form and confidence. After Ushuaia, he will continue his preparation in Switzerland, training in Saas-Fee.
Eyes on Beaver Creek
Pinturault is already setting his sights on the World Cup season speed opener at Beaver Creek in early December. He plans to compete in Giant Slalom, Super-G, and Downhill events. Last season, he transitioned to speed events, and now he is eager to prove that his comeback will be successful.
The ski racing world watches as Pinturault returns to the top. His return reminds us of his determination and resilience, which have defined his remarkable career.
Information source: Fis-ski.com