Sölden: Stefan Luitz fällt für Weltcup-Auftakt aus - Deutscher verpasst ersten Riesenslalom wegen einer Handverletzung from

Stefan Luitz to Miss World Cup Opener in Sölden

German Skier Out with Hand Injury

German skier Stefan Luitz will miss the opening race of the World Cup season in Sölden, Austria, due to a hand injury, the German Ski Federation (DSV) announced on Monday.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury during a training session in Sölden on Sunday and was diagnosed with a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand.

Surgery Successful

Luitz underwent successful surgery on Monday and is now recovering at home. He is expected to be out of action for several weeks.

"It's a bitter blow for Stefan and for us," said DSV sports director Wolfgang Maier. "He was in good shape and was looking forward to the start of the season. But we are confident that he will come back stronger."

Luitz is a two-time World Cup winner and a former world champion in the giant slalom. He was one of the favorites for the race in Sölden, which is scheduled for Saturday.

In Luitz's absence, Germany will be represented by Alexander Schmid, Linus Straßer, and Julian Rauchfuss in the giant slalom.