Alessandro Hämmerle misses the start of the boardercross World Cup. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

Olympic champion Hämmerle will miss the opening event in Cervinia

The Snowboardcross World Cup starts on Saturday in Cervinia, but one prominent name is missing from the list of participants: Olympic champion Alessandro Hämmerle has to forego a start due to persistent back problems.

13 December 2024

From: sn

For two weeks, the 31-year-old has been struggling with severe pain in his lumbar spine. Hämmerle's back has been his weak point in the past, but now the problems have become so acute that he has had to cancel his participation in Cervinia. Hämmerle had to acknowledge that taking part at the weekend would probably make his condition worse.

Instead of preparing for the races, the 2022 Olympic champion is now doing rehab. With intensive physiotherapy and targeted exercises, the Vorarlberg native is working on his return with the clear goal of being back on the snow before Christmas. The three-time overall World Cup winner is planning a final return for the next stage in early February 2025 in Beidahu, China.

Jakob Dusek takes command

While Hämmerle is taking a break, the responsibility in the team rests on the shoulders of his compatriot Jakob Dusek. The reigning world champion leads the Austrian team in Cervinia, which consists of a total of nine athletes, six men and three women. Despite Hämmerle's absence, the team is optimistic about the start of the season.

Even though Hämmerle will be absent in Cervinia, the start of the Snowboard Cross World Cup promises exciting races. Hämmerle, meanwhile, remains hopeful that he will soon be able to start the season again without any problems. "I wish all athletes the best of luck and look forward to being back at the next World Cup race," Hämmerle said in a video message on Instagram.