With 68 meters in the Olympic final
The end for Karl Geiger, Markus Eisenbichler, Stephan Leyhe and Constantin Schmid would have been a big embarrassment. The qualification was only a matter of form. Only 53 jumpers were at the start, the best 50 qualified for the main competition, only three stayed behind. In addition, numerous exotics were at the start who had trouble cracking the 70-meter mark. This is how Sergei Tkatschenko from Kazakhstan experienced the big Olympic stage on Sunday despite a meager 68 meters.
Geiger as ninth best German
The elimination was no more than another jump in training – and the Germans desperately needed it. The ones that were so successful last season DSV-Eagles have not yet warmed up in the icy and windy Zhangjiakou. The negative trend continued even one day before the first medal decision. The best German in the qualification was the overall World Cup leader Geiger, who flew to ninth place with 97.5 meters and showed improving form. In his previous eight attempts, he had not ended up in the top ten.
Stephan Leyhe (11th place/95.5 m) was also able to improve compared to his previous performances. On the other hand, team world champion Markus Eisenbichler couldn’t fly again and landed at 91 meters. That was only enough for 23rd place. Constantin Schmid was also served with only 86.5 meters (39th place) and shook his head in the outrun.
Two Norwegians in front
While the Germans struggled again, the Norwegians and Austrians got along better. Marius Lindvik won the qualification ahead of Robert Johansson. With Stefan Kraft and Manuel Fettner, two Austrians also claimed medals with places five and six.
Paschke not there
Experienced Pius Paschke still has to wait for his first start. The 31-year-old Bavarian was not included in the four-man squad by national coach Stefan Horngacher.