(Bormio) The Austrian Marco Schwarz, leader of the general classification of the World Cup, fell and injured his knee Thursday during the downhill in Bormio in Italy.
Appearing to have suffered a twist in his right knee, the 28-year-old skier ended his descent halfway into the nets where he remained immobilized for several minutes.
Helped by emergency services, Schwarz was then seen limping without having any support on his right leg before being airlifted and evacuated by helicopter to a hospital.
Winner last week of the night slalom at Madonna di Campiglio, the Austrian arrived in Bormio with an eight-point lead in the general classification over his great Swiss rival Marco Odermatt, double title holder.
He had decided to compete in every race this season in his quest to win the big crystal globe.