The conditions were anything but easy, but even if you take into account the blowing snow in Zakopane, Germany’s ski jumping star Karl Geiger can once again not be satisfied with the performance he showed. The five-time world champion himself didn’t mince his words.
The fact that it was close is hardly enough as a consolation, because after the first round of ski jumping in Zakopane, Poland, Karl Geiger was only in 31st place – the second round therefore took place, as has often been the case recently, without the 32-year-old.
“I’m just angry and frustrated,” explained Geiger on “ARD”. At this point, the hope of finally breaking the standard for the Olympic Games had once again been dashed. “Somehow I have to put this aside and calm down.”
The 23rd place at the first World Cup of the season in Lillehammer, Norway was the highest of emotions so far in an extremely disappointing season for the DSV’s long-time driving force. For the three-time Olympic medalist, another participation in the Winter Games is currently miles away.
Pius Paschke, on the other hand, will be part of the squad in Italy, which was confirmed by his ninth place on Sunday.
“It’s a battle jumping at the moment,” explained the 2021 team world champion, who improved significantly in the second round. However, the 35-year-old is certainly not a contender for precious metal in his current form.
Wellinger “satisfied overall”
This also applies to Andreas Wellinger, Geiger’s congenial team partner for years, but also not yet in form this winter. After all, Wellinger reached 22nd place in Zakopane, confirming an upward trend.
“You had to be lucky here. But overall I’m satisfied,” said Wellinger, who recently missed the second round eight times in a row: “Let’s move on!”
Significantly, the DSV left two starting places completely vacant in Zakopane in the absence of the injured Felix Hoffmann and Philipp Raimund, which also shows how thin the staffing levels in the German team currently are.
“Felix’s knee needs further treatment. Philipp is doing slightly better. We have to take it day by day,” said national coach Stefan Horngacher in Zakopane.