Ski jumping icon Martin Schmitt believes Andreas Wellinger can win the Four Hills Tournament even after he lost his overall lead.
“He is in the attacker role and has nothing to lose, so he can attack,” said the 45-year-old on Thursday at “Eurosport”. Wellinger is still “fully in the race,” so: “The golden eagle is coming to Germany. I hope.”
Wellinger goes into the final competition in Bischofshofen on Saturday with a gap of 4.8 points or almost two and a half meters to the two-time tour winner Ryoyu Kobayashi (qualification on Friday, both 4:30 p.m./ARD and Eurosport). “What speaks for Andi is that he achieved a top placing again in Innsbruck, even with mediocre jumps. He’s still so close, so the gap doesn’t actually matter,” said Schmitt.
Oberstdorf winner Wellinger finished fifth on the Bergisel and lost the overall lead to the Japanese, but kept the damage to a minimum in difficult wind conditions.
Four Hills Tournament: Ryoyu Kobayashi “definitely beatable”
But the task won’t be easy. “Ryoyu Kobayashi is in fantastic shape, that’s no secret. He will also jump very well in Bischofshofen, the jump suits him,” said Schmitt.
Unlike Wellinger, Kobayashi has already won in Bischofshofen: in 2019 and 2022. “Ryoyu will not collapse under pressure because he is a jumper who does not shy away from attention. In addition, when he is in good form, he gets stronger and gets into a run. “His form for the Four Hills Tournament was perfect, he’s on a good run. Although it has to be said that he’s not outstanding and doesn’t outclass the field. So he’s definitely beatable,” said Schmitt.