Swiss team race for Beltrametti

Franco Cavegn and his teammates will be racing for Silvano next weekend Keystone Archive

Swiss skiers practising for next weekend's Val Gardena competition in Italy are dedicating the race to Silvano Beltrametti, whose career abruptly ended in an accident.

Beltrametti’s continuing encouragements gave wings to Swiss skiers during Wednesday’s practice runs. Franco Cavegn, Didier Cuche and Bruno Kernen finished respectively third, seventh and ninth.

The 22-year-old skier became paraplegic after crashing out of Saturday’s World Cup downhill race in Val d’Isère.

“We must accept what happened and not fall into self-pity,” said Beltrametti’s regular roommate, Franco Cavegn. “Silvano did a lot for us last winter and gave us the necessary impulse. We must now honour his efforts.”

Kernen’s reaction

Bruno Kernen, another teammate, said he had not noticed any difference in Wednesday’s runs.

“If we want to be successful, we must either push this kind of event aside, or get another job,” said Kernen. “Our lives must continue, and I’m sure Silvano thinks that way too.”

Didier Cuche, another of Beltrametti’s companions, said there had not been much debate between the skiers concerning the accident.

“We don’t need to talk about it that much, because we all feel the same way about it” said Cuche. “People who are not involved in skiing are more inclined to discussion.”

Beltrametti website

Beltrametti’s accident triggered an enormous wave of sympathy. The skier received more than 4,000 e-mails wishing him a healthy recovery.

A special website, www.beltra.ch, was set up by the Swiss skiing association where fans and well-wishers can keep up to date with the young star’s condition. Those wishing to send e-mails to Beltrametti can contact him via the skiing association at [e-mail]

“I would like to thank everyone who wrote to me, or sent me gifts and flowers,” said Beltrametti, who was overwhelmed by the public’s sympathy.

swissinfo with agencies