January 12, 2014 (Chamonix, SUI) – Swiss star Dario Cologna’s competitive season got off to a belated but promising start on Friday with his appearance in a  European Cup race in Chamonix, France. While his World Cup rivals already have at least six weeks of racing under their belts, Cologna – with Olympic, World Championship and World Cup medals to his credit – was forced to sit out the first period and the Tour de Ski in order to recover from an ankle injury he suffered in mid-November.

Cologna racing in his quarter final © Graham Longford

Cologna underwent surgery after tearing a ligament in his right ankle while running, followed by a month of recovery, during which he was limited to pool and upper body training only. He was finally cleared to get back on skis just a few days before Christmas. With less than 30 days left before the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, it is questionable whether or not Cologna will find the fitness and form he needs to once again challenge for the medals.

The first of his comeback races in Chamonix consisted of a 1.4km FR sprint race. In the qualifier, Cologna posted the 23rd fastest time, 6.68 sec behind the winning time, in a field that was somewhat thin by World Cup standards. “I lost a lot of time in the qualifier because I was thinking about the injury,” Cologna told “20Minutes” a Swiss newspaper.

Cologna on the comeback trail © Graham Longford

He looked more at ease in his quarterfinal heat, cruising comfortably to a 2nd place finish. However, he had his work cut out for him against a tougher semi-final field made up of mostly Italian and French skiers. Cologna got shuffled to the rear of the pack early on and did not have the finishing speed to claw his way back, crossing the line 5th in his heat and was eliminated.

Despite not making the final, Cologna was pleased with his results on the day. “It was a good comeback race,” he said afterward. “The important thing was to test the foot and it held up well. I had no pain, although I still lack some mobility.”

Cologna (r) in his semi-final © Graham Longford

Whether or not he can be competitive on the World Cup circuit, let alone at Sochi, after missing so much training and racing, remains to be seen. Cologna is optimistic however, citing his recovery from an injury prior to the Vancouver Olympics, where he won gold in the 15km FR event. “I believe it is still possible to be in a good shape at the Games and even fight for a gold medal,” he told FIS last week.

Cologna will continue racing in Chamonix this weekend, with a 15km Classic race scheduled for Saturday, followed by a 30km skiathlon on Sunday. He plans to rejoin the World Cup circuit next weekend in Szklarska Poreba, Poland.

Notes:
Results from the 1.4km FR Sprint race in Chamonix here.
Cologna was 4th in Saturday’s 15km Classic in Chamonix – results here.
He finished 3rd in the men’s 30km Skiathlon held in Chamonix on Sunday.