Four Hills Tournament: Austrians dominate qualification – Paschke sixth

The German ski jumpers confidently cleared the opening hurdle of the Four Hills Tournament and all qualified for the competition on Sunday. However, the qualification was dominated by the Austrians.

Of the six-man squad from the German Ski Association (DSV), Pius Paschke was particularly impressive on the Schattenbergschanze on Saturday (December 28th, 2024). The leader in the overall World Cup finished sixth after 139 meters. Karl Geiger also made it into the top 10 in ninth place with 134 meters. The competition was a little more disappointing for Andreas Wellinger. The tour runner-up last season only managed 13th place (125.5 meters).

For national coach Stefan Horngacher, the team result was the main focus. “It’s great that everyone qualified“, he said on ZDF. The good placement is particularly important for Paschke. “He was already a bit tense. But he showed a good jump, even if the landing wasn’t quite optimal.“Paschke himself also saw room for improvement.”Tomorrow it can be a little more. But you can build on that.“

Five Austrians in front

The highly promoted competition from Austria also showed no weakness. Even more: Daniel Tschofenig won the qualification with 141.5 meters ahead of his compatriots Stefan Kraft (137.5 meters) and Michael Hayböck (141 meters). Fourth and fifth places were also firmly in Austrian hands with Jan Hörl and Maximilian Ortner.

“That leaves me a little speechless myself“said Andreas Widhölzl, head coach of the Austrian ski jumpers. “Our jumps are already at a very high level. Hats off! The shape is right.“

Paschke and Geiger are convincing

The pressure on the German ski jumpers before the tour has rarely been as great as this year. Paschke in particular had jumped into the circle of favorites in the last few weeks with five individual World Cup victories and nurtured hopes of the first German tour victory in 23 years. After his fantastic start to the winter, he recently suffered a small setback in Engelberg.

As the leader in the overall World Cup, Paschke had to wait until the end – as so often this season – before he was the last of the 62 jumpers to fly into the sea of ​​black, red and gold flags. Although he was no longer able to match the distances of the competition from Austria, he still managed to get off to a promising start.

Karl Geiger had already made a good start. The 31-year-old flew 134 meters at his home game and confirmed his improving form in recent weeks. “I’m happy with my jump. It’s getting better and better“, said Geiger. For Wellinger, however, things didn’t go as desired. 125.5 meters were enough for qualification without any problems, but he wasn’t really happy with it in the run-out.”There isn’t quite enough energy in it yet. It was fine. But the lightness is still missing.”

Title with “Fun” at the premiere

Youngster Adrian Tittel, who received a starting place at the Junior World Championships thanks to his strong performances, was the first German jumper to take off the beam. The 20-year-old didn’t have his best jump, but 119 meters should mean safe qualification. “It was fun. It was quite good. Let’s see what comes out tomorrow“, said Tittel after his tour premiere. On Sunday he will face team-mate Paschke in his knockout duel.

Stephan Leyhe (124 meters) and Philipp Raimund (123 meters) also didn’t show any weakness and made it into Sunday’s competition without any problems. However, both struggled after they landed. “I have one or two jumps that work. It’s a fine line. But I know what it is” said Leyhe. Raimund criticized: “It’s still too hectic. I’m too impetuous in competition. There is a lack of self-confidence.“

The knockout duels on Sunday with German participation

Forfang and Kobayashi are also in form

In addition to the Austrians, Johann Andre Forfang also showed why he is one of the extended circle of favorites. The Norwegian had repeatedly demonstrated his class in the last few weeks, which he confirmed in Oberstdorf with a strong 134 meters and eighth place.

Defending champion Ryoyu Kobayashi from Japan also showed significant improvement compared to his mixed performances so far this World Cup season and finished the qualification in eleventh place after 125 meters. Kobayashi won the tour for the third time last year. This year, however, he is only given outside chances.

Eisenbichler only there on New Year’s Day

After the start in Oberstdorf, the tour continues to Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the turn of the year before stops in Innsbruck and Bischofshofen in Austria. The tour ends on Epiphany.

Markus Eisenbichler (Oberstdorf) is missing from the German tour squad. The former tour runner-up (2018/19) was not part of the German squad last year and will only take part in the New Year’s competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen as part of the national group.