Soelden, Austria - Italian skier Elena Fancini will miss the entire World Cup season with a knee injury.

The eldest of the three Fancini sisters suffered the injury to her left knee during speed training in Hintertux, Austria.

In February 2005, Fancini finished second behind Croatia's Janica Kostelic at the World Alpine Ski Championships in Italy's Santa Caterina.

The women's downhill World Cup season begins on December 5 at Lake Louise, Canada. (dpa)