Sarrazin Eyes Copper Mountain Return After Injury
French skier Cyprien Sarrazin says he is more or less confident of racing at Copper Mountain later this month.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Skiing
Cyprien Sarrazin, a 32-year-old French skier and two-time Kitzbuehel downhill winner, says he is more or less confident of racing at Copper Mountain in Colorado, where a super-G is scheduled for November 28 and a giant slalom a day later. He suffered serious head injuries after crashing into safety netting during a practice run at Bormio, Italy, on December 27, 2024.
Why it matters
Sarrazin's planned return comes after a long rehabilitation process following his crash, and his decision will be made on the eve of racing. His progress will be watched closely given his breakthrough 2023/24 season, in which he won three downhills.
Sarrazin spent 12 of 18 days of a French team training camp in Argentina skiing, a volume he hopes will close the gap before Copper Mountain. His 2023/24 breakthrough included three downhill wins, the benchmark for his form this season.
The players
Cyprien Sarrazin
A 32-year-old French downhill skier and two-time Kitzbuehel winner who is working his way back from serious head injuries.
The details
Sarrazin first trained in a ski jacket and trousers before progressing to a full ski suit as his recovery advanced. He has said he will have the missing kilometres under his belt by the time Copper Mountain takes place, while he also plans to race at Beaver Creek from December 3 to 6.
Timeline
December 27, 2024: Sarrazin crashes in practice at Bormio, Italy, suffering head injuries.
September: Sarrazin attends a French team training camp in Argentina.
November 28: Copper Mountain super-G scheduled in Colorado.
December 3-6: Beaver Creek races planned by Sarrazin.
Season Trajectory
Sarrazin's return would matter for a French team seeking downhill strength after his breakout 2023/24 campaign, when he won three downhills. Whether he can rebuild that form after a long rehabilitation will shape how he is positioned for the rest of this season.
Copper Mountain's super-G on November 28 and giant slalom the next day are the nearest races where Sarrazin's status will be tested. Fantasy and betting readers should track his start confirmation, which he will decide on the eve of racing.
The takeaway
Sarrazin's comeback will be judged on how quickly he recovers the training volume lost to his injury, and the Copper Mountain start on November 28 is the first clear test. Readers following downhill form should watch his decision on the eve of racing.
What happens next
Sarrazin plans to race at Beaver Creek from December 3 to 6, and the Copper Mountain super-G is scheduled for November 28 with a giant slalom a day later.
Further reading
For more on the sport, see our Skiing coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RTL Today.
