Sarrazin is one of two skiers who had to be taken to hospital by helicopter, the other being Italian Pietro Zazzi. The French Ski Federation initially said Sarrazin was conscious, but was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, or bleeding near the brain.
“Following additional examinations, and the evolution of Cyprien’s clinical examination, it was decided in agreement with the Italian surgeons to operate on Cyprien [vendredi] evening in order to drain the subdural hematoma,” the International Ski Federation (FIS) later said.
Zazzi was also conscious at the time of transport. The Italian federation then announced that he suffered an open fracture of the tibia and fibula of his right leg and that he would be operated on on Saturday in Milan.
Their track excursions raised questions about the safety of the Stelvio track, which will be used for the Milan-Cortina Games.
“My opinion is clear, it’s that they don’t know how to prepare a track,” said Sarrazin’s teammate, Nils Allègre. They’ve been preparing tracks for 40 years, but they don’t know how to do anything except dangerous things.
“Maybe not everyone agrees with me, but it’s my opinion and it’s strongly held. This is not correct, I don’t know what they are trying to prove. But one year before the Olympics, having a track like that – they don’t deserve the Games here.”
Switzerland’s Josua Mettler also fell on Friday and will have to undergo tests to discover the extent of a knee injury.
Sarrazin won last year’s downhill in Bormio and was fastest in the first training downhill on Thursday. He was on his way to another excellent time when he appeared to be catapulted into the air as he went over a bump. He landed on his back and slid to the safety fence.
Sarrazin had his best season in the World Cup last year with four victories, three in downhill and one in super-G.
