Before the Gurgl race

End of the season! Slalom specialist seriously injured

Tommaso Sala has to end the season prematurely. The Italian suffered a serious injury in training.(Bild: GEPA)

Serious setback for the Italian ski team! Tommaso Sala has suffered a serious injury during training and has had to end his season prematurely.

The 29-year-old slalom specialist actually wanted to prepare for the race in Gurgl during training in Schnals (South Tyrol). But then came the bad news: without falling, Sala tore a cruciate ligament in his left knee. As the Italian Winter Sports Federation FISI announced, he needs an operation and his season is over.

"This year I have invested more than ever before. I was ready to reap the fruits of my labor," Sala wrote on Instagram. "Unfortunately, my season ends earlier than planned."

Points supplier
Sala celebrated his World Cup debut in December 2015 and has developed into a key player in the Italian slalom team in recent years. The 29-year-old has always been a solid points supplier and has also replaced Alex Vinatzer as the team's number one. However, Sala has yet to celebrate a top 5 finish. In the 2021/22 season, he achieved his best World Cup result to date with sixth place in Kitzbühel. Last season, he also finished sixth in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

For Tommaso Sala, the still young ski season is over early.(Bild: GEPA)

Only four skiers in Gurgl
The Italians are running on fumes. Filippo Della Vite has been nominated for the upcoming race in Gurgl, but the team will only have four racers despite five free starting places. In addition to Della Vite, Alex Vinatzer, Tobias Kastlunger and veteran Stefano Gross are set to start.