Andreas Wellinger remains the best German ski pilot of the season. At the start of the World Cup final in Planica, Slovenia, the 2024 World Cup runner-up came in eighth place and ensured the top result for the DSV Adler. At the home game, top star Domen Prevc secured his 14th win of the season and could equal his brother Peters’ record at the end on Sunday.
Wellinger, who recently finished seventh in Vikersund, jumped twice at a high level with 218.5 and 215.5 m in demanding conditions.
But the Ruhpoldinger couldn’t keep up with the very best: Despite a huge wobble in the first round, Prevc won with 232.5 and 230.5 m (471.4 points) ahead of Ren Nikaido (Japan/451.3) and Daniel Tschofenig (Austria/443.5). At the end of an almost perfect season, Prevc is on the verge of winning the small crystal ball for victory in the Ski Flying World Cup.
The second best German was former ski flying world champion Karl Geiger in twelfth place (208.0+224.5 m), Pius Paschke came in 24th (211.0+218.5).
Olympic hero Raimund overcomes fear – but is far behind
Philipp Raimund, who had decided not to start in Planica last year because of his fear of heights, did not get past 28th place with 213.5 and 210.5 m.
Stephan Embacher caused a moment of shock. Austria’s young star, who recently celebrated his first World Cup victory in Vikersund, achieved the longest distance of the day with 240.0 m in the second round, but fell while riding out. According to initial impressions, Embacher appeared to have remained largely uninjured.
A team flying event will take place in Planica on Saturday (9:30 a.m.), and the finale of the best 30 jumpers of the season will conclude the long Olympic winter on Sunday (10:00 a.m./ZDF and Eurosport).
