Will the German dry spell at the Four Hills Tournament continue in 2025/2026? The analysis by icon Martin Schmitt after the opening competition in Oberstdorf gives the DSV ski jumpers little hope.
Because: the “absolute top favorite” for the Olympic champion and four-time world champion is now someone else: Domen Prevc, who dominated the first few weeks in the World Cup.
“It was really impressive how he jumped again today, how he presented himself here overall,” said Schmitt at “Eurosport”.
The ski jumping expert added: “It’s not so easy to cope with the great expectations, with the pressure, even with your own expectations. To appear so dominant again after the Christmas break is really impressive.”
But Schmitt didn’t want to congratulate the Slovenian exceptional talent early. “The tour is still very long, a lot can still happen. He will definitely only have the eagle once he has actually made it to the last competition in Bischofshofen,” said the two-time overall World Cup winner.
ÖSV team “resurgent” at the Four Hills Tournament
With a considerable gap to Prevc, defending champion Daniel Tschofenig also made people sit up and take notice in Oberstdorf.
Video: German surprise at the start of the tour
The Austrian, who has been weak so far this season, delivered a “great competition,” said Schmitt.
The ÖSV team has “reinvigorated overall,” said the expert. “But it’s not all that self-evident yet. You still have to work on the jumps.”
Ski jumping: Hoffmann’s podium coup “a dream”
The DSV Eagles presented a mixed performance in front of their home crowd. However, Philipp Raimund stood out in fifth place and, above all, Felix Hoffmann, who even “inherited” third place due to Timi Zajc’s disqualification. Both of them at least fueled Germany’s hopes of reaching the overall podium.
Hoffmann’s coup was “a dream, a great start,” cheered Schmitt. “I was really impressed that he delivered like that.” Hoffmann’s second jump in particular was “fantastic”. “He definitely deserves the podium.”
Raimund also showed “great jumps,” praised Schmitt. “He now has the security and can just put his foot down and look forward to the competition.”