After the strong start to the season in Ruka, the German ski jumpers want to show in Lillehammer that their performance was not a flash in the pan.
After a fantastic start to the season with three podium places, the German ski jumpers are going into the next World Cup with an aggressive attitude. In Lillehammer, Norway, there will be a normal hill and a large hill competition on Saturday (4:10 p.m. in the Sportschau live ticker) and Sunday (5 p.m. in the Sportschau live ticker).
Horngacher wants to “attack the top positions”
“Our goal is to match Ruka’s compact team performance in Lillehammer and to use this team strength to attack the top places“, announced national coach Stefan Horngacher in an official press release from the German Ski Association (DSV).
In addition to Pius Paschke, Stephan Leyhe and Andreas Wellinger, who all made it to the podium in Ruka, Karl Geiger, Philipp Raimund and Martin Hamann are also part of the six-man squad.
Next surprise from Paschke?
For Horngacher, the start in Finland was also confirmation of the successful summer preparation. It was not even remotely expected that at the end of the day there would be three Germans in the top five in both competitions in Ruka. Pius Paschke in particular impressed with his first ever World Cup podium. “Landing on the World Cup podium for the first time at the age of 33 was really fun“, said the veteran happily. “It was a really successful weekend for both me and the whole team.“
This also applied to Andreas Wellinger, who underlined his good performances from last season with third place on Sunday in Ruka. The 28-year-old from Traunstein is also one of the extended circle of favorites in Lillehammer. “The start in Kuusamo was sensational“Wellinger emphasized.”We did a really cool performance as a team.“
New ski jump(s), new ones Challenge
However, the German team can expect a completely different competition on the 1994 Olympic ski jumps. “Both ski jumps have a completely different profile than the facility in Ruka“, says Horngacher. However, you are well prepared and know “what lies ahead for us“, as they had already trained in Lillehammer in the summer.
“We therefore want to be present again from the first jump and adapt to the new requirements and conditions as quickly as possible.” Wellinger agreed with his national coach: “The change is a challenge. I’m excited to see how we overcome this and what the outcome will be.”
Is Kraft causing “stupefied eyes” again?
Stefan Kraft once again leaves the jump as the big favorite. The Austrian was the outstanding athlete in both competitions in Ruka. “I hope he shoots all his powder now before the tour. I think, just as the ski jumping world looks at Germany with puzzled eyes, we look to a certain extent at Stefan Kraft” said DSV sports director Horst Hüttel.
Especially on the second day of the competition, Kraft gave the competition no chance and won by over 20 points ahead of his compatriot Jan Hörl. “He was in a class of his own there“Hüttel also admitted.
Eisenbichler needs patience
Markus Eisenbichler, who initially lost his place in the German World Cup team, will not be there again. The six-time world champion takes the situation “combative“, said Hüttel: “You won’t find a contrite Markus Eisenbichler, but rather a combative one.” Eisenbichler will be there again at the latest for the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, when the team can be expanded to include a national group.
The line-up of German ski jumpers in Lillehammer
Karl Geiger (SC Oberstdorf), Martin Hamann (SG Nickelhütte Aue), Stephan Leyhe (SC Willingen), Pius Paschke (WSV Kiefersfelden), Philipp Raimund (SC Oberstdorf), Andreas Wellinger (SC Ruhpolding)