Ten German jumpers will take part in the second stop of this year’s Four Hills Tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
In addition to Markus Eisenbichler (TSV Siegsdorf), the coaches have chosen Constantin Schmid (WSV Oberaudorf), Luca Roth (SV Meßstetten) and Felix Hoffmann (SWV Goldlauter). The German Ski Association (DSV) announced this on Monday (December 30, 2024).
At the opening competition in Oberstdorf, the DSV decided not to have a “national group” that each host ski association could represent in two of its World Cup competitions.
Does Eisenbichler take advantage of his chance?
Eisenbichler in particular will try to take advantage of his chance. Coach Stefan Horngacher did not take the 33-year-old Bavarian into account and instead gave preference to Stephan Leyhe and Philipp Raimund. Both were eliminated in Oberstdorf after the first round and are far from their best.
Eisenbichler, who took second place in the overall ranking at the 2018/19 tour, was not part of the World Cup team at all last season due to continued poor form, but fought his way back into the team. However, he has not yet made any convincing jumps this season. With a top performance in Garmisch the tide could turn in his favor, especially since some teammates are weakening.
Qualification on New Year’s Eve
In Garmisch, the spectators will cheer on ten German ski eagles with a “Zieeeeh” during the qualification on New Year’s Eve (from 1:15 p.m. in the live stream at sportschau.de). The eyes will primarily be on Pius Paschke.
As fourth in the opening competition, the 34-year-old holds the best trump cards from a German perspective. Will the police chief manage to end the 23-year dry spell? When Sven Hannawald flew to victory in 2002, Paschke was still a spectator as a child. Now the veteran is continuing the German hunt for the lost gold eagle at the New Year’s jump on Wednesday.
Paschke in Garmisch on an Austria hunt
Paschke, still in the lead in the World Cup, is now “in attacking position,” said national coach Stefan Horngacher happily after the atmospheric start in Oberstdorf: “We have every opportunity.” However, there is also a lot of competition from neighbors.
While Paschke, as the sole entertainer, is shouldering the hope of Germany’s first tour victory in 23 years, the Austrians are coming in a three-pack. Stefan Kraft, Jan Hörl and Daniel Tschofenig form an almost insurmountable obstacle for the German after their fantastic triple victory on Schattenberg. Paschke is seven and a half meters behind the leader, Kraft.