French skier Alexis Pinturault airlifted from course after crash in Kitzbuhel super-G

French ski star Alexis Pinturault was taken off the hill by helicopter with an apparent right knee injury after he became one of a series of racers who crashed in a men's World Cup super-G on Friday in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

Pinturault, a three-time Olympic medallist who won the 2021 World Cup overall championship, competed only in his eighth race since returning from an 11-month layoff for an injury to his left knee.

His French teammate Florian Loriot also crashed at the same spot and was airlifted with unknown injuries. Italian skier Dominik Paris and Austrians Lukas Feurstein and Otmar Striedinger were among the other racers who went down but seemed to have avoided injuries.

Friday's race is the last men's super-G before the Feb. 4-16 world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.

WATCH | Pinturault crashes at Kitzbuhel super-G:

Former world champion Pinturault airlifted after crash in Kitzbuhel super-G

2 days ago

Duration 2:11

Alexis Pinturault of France crashed Friday during the super-G at Kitzbuhel and was airlifted off Hahnenkamm course in Austria.

Entering a left turn, Pinturault caught a bump and his right ski hit a gate before he slid off the course. He initially stood up but laid down again and tapped on his right knee when medics attended him.

The helicopter arrived in a few minutes, onboarding the 33-year-old Pinturault while his wife Romane and their one-year-old daughter Olympe were watching from the finish area. Romane Pinturault travels with her husband as part of his entourage handling media relations.

WATCH | French skier Loriot also airlifted from Kitzbuhel:

French skier Florian Loriot crashes hard at Kitzbuhel super-G

2 days ago

Duration 1:48

Kitzbuhel's Hahnenkamm course claimed another French skier Friday as Florian Loriot was airlifted after a crashing at the men's super-G race Friday in Austria.

A year ago, Pinturault badly crashed in a super-G in Wengen, rupturing the cruciate ligaments and internal meniscus in his left knee. He underwent surgery and only returned to racing at in Beaver Creek, Colorado, last December.

Last week, he opted not to start in the super-G in the Swiss resort.

WATCH | Why Kitzbuhel is the ultimate test for skiers:

CBC Sports Explains: Why the Kitzbuhel downhill is the ultimate test for skiers

2 days ago

Duration 1:00

Held on the Hahnenkamm course in Austria, it is famous for its high speeds, steep drops, and massive jumps. The race isn’t just about skill. It’s about mental toughness, as the race demands nerves of steel and perfect execution under pressure.