The decision to win the Four Hills Tournament could become a holiday for the Austrians – and that too because the three leaders are pretty much the best competitors.
January 6th, or rather January, is already a holiday throughout Austria – the reason: the three kings. So actually. Because this year it will be a holiday in both senses of the word for fans and those responsible. Three Austrian ski jumpers are fighting for victory in the Four Hills Tournament – the decision will be made at the Paul-Außerleitner-Schanze in Bischofshofen. The day before, the fans got in the mood for their – admittedly – early highlight of the year during the qualification.
Fans demand: “Bring the eagle home”
In a light drizzle and with their feet in the snow mud of the past few days, they waved red-white-red flags and held either cold drinks or star-sized ski jumpers at the cameras of the broadcasting TV stations. “It is important for us that one of the Austrians brings home the golden eagle”says one of the fans and grins. Because he knows that the chances of this happening are excellent.
Stefan Kraft leads the overall standings before the fourth competition, followed by his teammates Jan Hörl and Daniel Tschofenig. Only a good 70 centimeters separate the trio – so they are all squinting at the eagle.
Many fans believe that the most experienced of the three athletes has the best cards. “When it comes to something, Krafti is actually always there”says Valentin, who came to Bischofshofen from Upper Austria. My friend Philipp sees it differently. “I would really appreciate it for Tschofenig”he says. Simon, the third in the group, has a bold thesis: “We agree that it will be an Austrian.”
Hype about the title dreamers
The insult, as they say in the Alpine republic, is not only popular with the Austrian fans. Shortly before the tour finale, the three title dreamers also seem relaxed, signing autographs like youngster Tschofenig, taking selfies with little fans and patiently giving interviews. No trace of pressure.
The fight for the eagle is more of a privilege – the decision is more pleasure than burden. “We almost feel a bit like superstars”explains Kraft, who is enjoying the current hype.
In the fight for overall victory, the teammates are pretty much the best competitors, have a lot of respect for each other and know that they shouldn’t underestimate each other. The fact that Hörl and Tschofenig even share a room is no problem. “We’ll chat a bit in the evening”reveals Tschofenig. Ski jumping is actually always an issue – and that shouldn’t be any different before the finale of the tour.
Bravely into the final – who will win?
The three Austrians approach this individually and yet in a very similar way. They want to have their stuff together, say everyone, from the youngster Tschofenig to the experienced Kraft. Hörl almost sees himself as a bit of an underdog. But among the competition it is considered an insider tip. “Jan Hörl has been one of my favorites from the start”says Karl Geiger. Hörl’s jumping style is sometimes vulnerable, but: “If he hits you, he can really take off.”
Last year’s winner Ryoyu Kobayashi believes Kraft will win. And Michael Hayböck, who sits directly opposite his Austrian teammates in the container at the jump, is also the favorite: “He’ll definitely go to bed the most relaxed.” Maybe also because he has something planned for the final in Bischofshofen. “Bold, brave, brave”says Kraft and grins while the fans behind the barrier chant his name over and over again. They are getting ready – for the decision about the tour victory and a holiday in red-white-red.