The ski jumper Nika Prevc cannot be beaten in Villach. She takes the overall World Cup lead – but Selina Freitag also impresses.
The German ski jumpers have thought of a small birthday present for their national coach Heinz Kuttin. All jumpers who took part in the competition secured World Cup points on Monday (January 5th, 2026), only Julina Kreibich had previously failed in the qualification. Selina Freitag from SG Nickelhütte Aue was once again the strongest in Villach, jumping onto the podium again.
Friday remains in top form even after the “Two Nights Tour”.
Four days after her second place on the “Two Nights Tour”, the Saxon remains in top shape. “In general she feels better”observes ARD ski jumping expert Sven Hannawald on Friday this season. In the final she jumped to a good distance of 94 meters, only a small wobble when landing annoyed Friday. “It almost runs itself. That’s really nice because then I can really enjoy it.”said Friday in the Sportschau interview.
The Slovenian Nika Prevc won not far from the Slovenian border – thanks to two formidable jumps. In front of the Austrian Lisa Eder, who flew 96.5 meters in the second round – and thus attacked Prevc. After her next World Cup success, the Slovenian took over the overall World Cup lead again – from the Japanese Nozomi Maruyama, who only came eighth this time.
National coach Kuttin received a present at home for his 55th birthday
At halftime, Freitag impressed in fourth place with a jump of 91 meters. She must also have gotten over the fact that her coach had somewhat unfortunately shortened her run-up in the first round. Bonus points for this are only available from 93 meters.
For 55-year-old Kuttin, Friday’s podium was a gift in his homeland, because he lives near the small World Cup ski jump in Villach, has worked at the Austrian sports base there and is also a member of SV Villach. In the evening he should celebrate his special day at home.
German Female ski jumpers Reisch and Schmid in the top ten
In addition to Friday, Agnes Reisch and Katharina Schmid from the Allgäu also jumped into the top ten. Reisch after a fall “Make peace” wanted to do the jump, was again the second best German in ninth place. It’s difficult for Schmid to get past her at the moment; she came in tenth, one place behind. “I’m happy with how the competition went”said Reisch: “I’ve always ruined my season here over the last few years. And you don’t want to do that before your first Olympic Games.”
Juliane Seyfarth completed the good performance in 25th place with a decent second jump of 87 meters and Emely Torazza from Oberstdorf in 28th place. “I’m ready for tomorrow”said Seyfarth. Now it was time to celebrate with the podium jumper Freitag and the birthday boy Kuttin.