From 1985 to 1989 he was active in the World Cup . The second place in the downhill race of Leukerbad ( Switzerland ) in the 1987/88 season was his only podium, which made him one of the favorites for the downhill at the 1988 Winter Olympics . However, he had a bad fall in training, breaking his kneecap, rib and arm. The subsequent rescue operation was unusual, in which Piantanida with these injuries had to march up about 50 meters before he could lie down in the rescue sled. Due to injury, he could not take part in the World Championships in Vail a year later .
On December 16, 1989, Piantanida fell on the descent in Val Gardena ( Italy ) and was seriously injured. After jumping over the camel's hump, he hit his face on the ground and lay motionless. An immediate heart massage saved his life before he was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Bolzano . He broke his right shoulder blade and three ribs .
Since his ski racing career, Piantanida has taken part in various motor sport competitions, such as car rallies .
Italy
