Cyprien Sarrazin (center) during his Kitzbühel triumph in January 2024 with Florian Schieder (left) and Marco Odermatt (right). © ANSA / CHRISTIAN BRUNA

The king is back: Sarrazin is back on the Streif

Cyprien Sarrazin has not competed in a race since his horrific crash in Bormio in December 2024. The Frenchman returned to the spotlight at the World Cup in Kitzbühel – and even on the slopes.

22 January 2026

From Kitzbühel

Tragedy and romance are often closely intertwined – and that's true in the world of downhill skiing as well. When Cyprien Sarrazin returned to the Streif on skis early Wednesday morning, it was precisely such a moment. "This is sure to stir things up," the Frenchman summarized his feelings on social media. The 31-year-old is in Kitzbühel with his team, and the two-time 2024 champion joined them for the course inspection. Or, to put it in his own words: "Emotions, memories, and that unique mix you can't find anywhere else."

Almost exactly 24 months ago, Sarrazin crowned himself king of the Streif amidst a roaring crowd; for two consecutive days, no one could touch him. In the weeks prior, he had also stolen the show from Marco Odermatt and his fellow competitors in Wengen (Super-G) and Bormio (downhill), and in Kitzbühel, he became a legend, at the latest with the iconic snapshot on the finish line barrier. That highlight, however, would remain his last in the World Cup: His horrific crash in Bormio some eleven months later not only sparked a safety debate but also put his life in danger.

Sarrazin: “Treated like a king”

“I shed a few tears,” Sarrazin summarized in the interview with The Dauphine The unexpected return to his living room. "Being here means a lot to me. I'm being treated like a king. I love this place and they love me." A circumstance that certainly motivates Sarrazin. Due to a brain hemorrhage, the five-time World Cup winner had to undergo emergency surgery after his training crash in Bormio; he was in a coma for days. "I could barely speak. It's still crazy, even though I haven't quite grasped it yet," he said.

In mid-December, Sarrazin finally returned to skiing after a long period of suffering. However, the French adrenaline junkie doesn't want to rush his comeback; rather, he wants to take it one step at a time. His appearance in Kitzbühel, which he made as part of the premiere of the Prime Video-Documentation Downhill Skiers: The Rush of Speed Having completed the training course, it certainly gave him a good boost of energy. "To be honest, I'm itching to get back on the slopes," Sarrazin said. "But I'm taking my time; there are still many steps to take."

Memories catch up with Sarrazin

Sarrazin's return wasn't without its shocking moments. Ken Caillot crashed during the second practice session on the approach to the Mausefalle corner, and was subsequently thrown beyond the extremely steep passage.“It was heartbreaking,” Sarrazin reacted to his compatriot’s departure. “We are taking a risk, we all know that.” Fortunately, the all-clear came a few hours later: Caillot had not suffered any serious injuries.