Hannes Reichelt has been ruled out of the Olympics because of a back injury, leaving the Austrian alpine speed team without its main medal hope in Sochi.

The Austrian ski federation said on Monday Reichelt had to undergo surgery in Innsbruck for a herniated disk, only two days after winning a World Cup downhill in Kitzbuehel, and therefore had to end his season prematurely.

"I am glad I had my back checked today because the consequences (of skiing on) could have been bad for me," said Reichelt, who became the first Austrian in eight years to win the classic Kitzbuehel race.