Defago also expected to miss World Cup races to injury

By Published On: October 1st, 2009Comments Off on Defago also expected to miss World Cup races to injury

The bad news for the Swiss Ski Team keeps coming. Didier Defago is expected to miss about two months after breaking his thumb while training at Zermatt, Switzerland Thursday and underwent surgery.

The winner of both the Wengen and Kitzbuehel downhill last season has already been ruled out from the World Cup opener at Soelden Oct. 25. Should the prognosis prove correct he could also miss speed races at Lake Louise, Alberta Nov. 28-29 and Beaver Creek Colo., Dec. 4-6. Reports Friday after his surgery said the team expected he would start at Lake Louise wearing a thumb brace.

Defago is the second star from the Swiss team to sustain injury this week as Lara Gut dislocated a hip in a training fall at Saas-Fee, Switzerland and is also expected to miss up to two months.

In addition, Fabienne Suter sustained a concussion in a training fall, though she may not miss any World Cup competitions.

Photo of Defago from GEPA

Share This Article

About the Author: Hank McKee

In memoriam: The veteran of the staff, McKee started with Ski Racing in 1980. Over the seasons, he covered virtually every aspect of the sport, from the pro tours to junior racing, freestyle and World Cup alpine competition. He wrote the first national stories for many U.S. team stars, and was still around to report on their retirements. “Longevity has its rewards,” he said, “but it’s a slow process.”