In his first race after an injury break of more than a year, Gino Caviezel is not pulling any punches. Nevertheless, the man from Graubünden is happy about his brief comeback.
27.01.2026, 19:56
27.01.2026, 22:49
SDA
"I'm definitely skiing much better than I showed today," Caviezel told SRF. He finished 42nd in the first run of the night giant slalom in Schladming, 4.68 seconds behind the top time - he only left four of the ranked skiers behind him. "However, I certainly didn't choose the easiest race."
After his heavy fall in Bormio, Caviezel had to fight for a long time to get back on his skis. In December 2024, he suffered several injuries to his right knee: In the subsequent operation, the posterior cruciate ligament, meniscus and collateral ligament were reconstructed and three tendons were attached to the knee joint.
It was a difficult year, the 33-year-old noted. "I worked hard every day and hoped to be able to compete in a race this winter. And when we decided to give it a go here, I was close to tears once or twice." After the training sessions, he was confident that he had a chance of qualifying for the second race. Although it was clearly not enough in the end, he was happy to be back. "It was good for the heart."
Caviezel generally has fond memories of Schladming: three years ago, he finished second behind team-mate Loïc Meillard. It was his best result in the World Cup and also the last of his three podium finishes to date.
Caviezel will not be competing in another race this season. He had already explained to "Blick" in advance: "If I were to compete in another race after Schladming, my injured status would no longer apply. I would risk a significant drop in the start list." Caviezel can then be counted on again next winter.
