Ski jumper Markus Eisenbichler actually wanted to use good performances in the second-class Continental Cup to build arguments for taking part in the World Cup in Trondheim, Norway. However, the veteran had a very dark day on Sunday.
Markus Eisenbichler wasn’t able to show his best side while ski jumping in Bischofshofen. The 33-year-old was eliminated in the first round in 40th place – a bitter setback in the fight for a possible return to the DSV A squad.
The day before, the six-time world champion had already shown a disappointing competition when he only finished 21st in the triple victory of the Norwegians Robin Pedersen, Adrian Thon Gundersrud and Robert Johansson.
Pedersen was also able to win the Continental Cup on Sunday, with jumps of 136 and 135.5 meters he gave the competition no chance. This time, however, he did not share the podium with his compatriots, but with the two Austrians Jonas Schuster and Markus Müller.
Ski jumping: Leyhe gathers arguments in the Continental Cup
While Eisenbichler was disappointing, another German ski jumper was able to gather a few arguments: Stephan Leyhe flew to fifth place on Sunday. Ultimately, he only missed the podium by 1.1 points. Luca Roth jumped to 15th place, Ben Bayer was 39th, Jannik Faisst had to be content with 44th place.
Markus Eisenbichler has had difficult months. Shortly before the Four Hills Tournament, he lost the place he had just fought back on the German World Cup team. Stephan Leyhe was left out of the squad during the tour.
In the fight to return to national coach Stefan Horngacher’s selection before the World Championships (from February 26th), only outstanding performances in the Continental Cup will help the two ski jumpers.