The health setbacks in the German ski team continue to increase. The ailing Simon Jocher is skipping the Hahnenkamm races and leaving Kitzbühel early, Jacob Schramm received a serious diagnosis after his training crash on Wednesday. Jocher reported that things were “not as rosy” as he would have liked. He had “significant pain in his foot.” A start was not an option, said the 28-year-old before the Super-G on Friday and the downhill run on Saturday (11.30 a.m. / ZDF and Eurosport). The 26-year-old Schramm suffered cruciate ligament tears in both knees when he fell during training. It was “a heavy blow,” said national coach Christian Schwaiger, whose speed team on the Streif now only consists of veteran Romed Baumann and Luis Vogt. At least Schramm’s concussion turned out not to be too serious.
Shortly after Christmas, Jocher suffered a badly bruised heel while landing after a jump on the descent from Bormio and missed the following races. In the first training session in Kitzbühel on Tuesday he was able to drive “quite well”, explained the Schongauer. Afterwards, the foot “reacted extremely strongly” and swelled again. He then skipped the second training session on Wednesday because of the pain. In consultation with trainers, physiotherapists and the medical department, it was decided that he would skip the races on the notorious Streif, said Jocher. “If you are not 100 percent ready on a descent and possibly pull back, there are bigger things in the offing than a bruised heel.” A decision about starting the home race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on February 2nd would have to be decided at short notice, explained Jocher. The World Cup will then take place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria (February 4th to 16th).
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