Cyprein Sarrazin helicopter rescue Bormio: GEPA pictures
French Skier Cyprien Sarrazin Stable After Surgery Following Crash
MILAN (AP) — French skier Cyprien Sarrazin was awake and in stable condition on Saturday, a day after surgery on a head injury sustained in a crash during training for a World Cup downhill.
Sarrazin Stable After Emergency Surgery
Sarrazin, who won the downhill on Bormio’s fearsome Stelvio course last year, was one of two skiers airlifted to a hospital after crashing on Friday on the slope set to be used for the Milan-Cortina Olympics in 14 months.
He underwent an operation to drain a bleed near the brain and was under anesthesia on Saturday morning but has since been brought around.
“Following his operation on Friday evening at the Sondalo hospital near Bormio, Cyprien Sarrazin is awake and conscious. His condition is stable,” the French ski federation said in a statement attributed to team doctor Stéphane Bulle.
“He will be kept under observation for an undetermined period.”
Details of the Crash on the Stelvio Course
Sarrazin, who was fastest in the first training session the previous day, was on course for another good time in Friday’s second run when he appeared to hit a bump, lost control, and was catapulted into the air. He slid a long way down before being caught in the safety netting.
The 30-year-old was taken by helicopter to the hospital in Sondalo, about 20 kilometers from Bormio.
Sarrazin
Sarrazin enjoyed his best campaign on the World Cup circuit last season with four victories — three downhill and one super-G — but has yet to win this winter.
Second Crash Involves Pietro Zazzi
Italian skier Pietro Zazzi also crashed and was airlifted to Sondalo hospital. He was set to undergo surgery in Milan on Saturday after breaking the tibia and fibula of his right leg.
Monney Claims Victory Amid Tragedy
Saturday’s downhill was won by Swiss skier Alexis Monney, who had never previously finished higher than eighth in a World Cup race. On Sunday, a super-G took place on the Stelvio.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics
Men’s Alpine skiing at the 2026 Olympics will take place in Bormio, while the women’s events will be in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The two ski areas are separated by a five-hour car ride.
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