Shock for Tyrol: Raphael Haaser is out for six weeks with an injured cruciate ligament!

Shock for Tyrol: Raphael Haaser is out for six weeks with an injured cruciate ligament!

The Austrian ski racer Raphael Haaser was seriously injured during one of his competitions in the giant slalom in Val d'Isère. According to an official announcement from the ÖSV, the 27-year-old has severely stretched his cruciate ligament and must now expect a compulsory break of six weeks. This news comes particularly hard in the crucial World Cup year, as the Alpine World Ski Championships take place in less than seven weeks, from February 4th to 16th in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Haaser, who recently started the season with a seventh place in the Sölden giant slalom, had fought for third place in the overall ranking of the Super-G last year, but the start of the current season didn't quite go according to plan for him laola1.at reported.

Impact on World Cup preparation

His injury not only represents a personal challenge, but could also significantly jeopardize his World Cup chances. In the short time until the World Cup, Haaser hardly has the opportunity to recover and stay in competition mode. The first competitions of the World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm represent enormous pressure for every athlete, especially for one who, like Haaser, has already achieved high rankings. As kleinezeitung.at adds, it remains to be seen how quickly Haaser can return and whether he will be able to build on his previous performances.