GB bobsleigh team pull out of World Cup in safety revolt

Britain’s bobsleigh team have withdrawn from this weekend’s World Cup race in Germany in protest at what they claimed were “sub-par safety protocols” following an “unacceptable, avoidable accident” suffered by Swiss bobsledder Sandro Michel.

Michel, 27, underwent emergency hip and thigh surgery and remains in hospital after a crash in practice in Altenberg on Tuesday which ended with Switzerland’s brakeman being run over by his own sled. Michel had been lying on the track after being thrown from the sled, which, according to Swiss Sliding, then rammed into him after “uncontrollably sliding back from the finish area”.

Britain’s team, led by pilot Brad Hall, said in a statement on social media that they were withdrawing in solidarity, calling on the governing body to make safety improvements. “This needs to change,” read the statement. “There are tracks like Whistler and Sigulda who have exceptional staffing to make sure sleds are caught and athlete safety is adhered to in so far as it is possible to do so. Why is this not the case at every track?

“This is not a witch-hunt or finger-pointing exercise. It is simply to show how seriously we take it, and how necessary an overhaul of safety protocols is.”

Swiss Sliding said Michel was in a stable condition. “Further examinations will determine the extent of Sandro Michel’s injuries, including those to his chest. Pilot Michael Vogt suffered a severe concussion and bruises. The other pushers, Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas, were also slightly injured.”

The British team added they were arranging for athletes to put safety concerns to governing body the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. The federation said in a statement: “The IBSF is in close contact with Swisssliding and wishes the athletes concerned a speedy and full recovery.”