Big stage for a German ski jumping talent: Ben Bayer joins the World Cup team for Andreas Wellinger.
For 21-year-old Ben Bayer, a dream comes true shortly before Christmas. The Pfullinger replaces the out-of-form Andreas Wellinger and celebrates his World Cup premiere in Engelberg at the weekend. The German Ski Association announced this on Wednesday (December 17, 2025).
Horngacher: “More talented “young jumper”
Bayer is a “talented young jumper who should gain his first experience in the World Cup in Engelberg,” said national coach Stefan Horngacher. The youngster was last in the Continental Cup in Ruka, but was unable to compete for the top places as 17th and 28th. Bayer has never flown in Engelberg – at least in a competition. Things will get serious for the newcomer for the first time on Friday during the qualification. Overcoming this hurdle would be a first success for the debutant.
Wellinger and Geiger completely out of character
The hurdles were recently too big for Andreas Wellinger. The Olympic champion regularly missed the second round and struggled with his performance. ““The fact is that I never jump out at the top and get the upper trajectory with the ski”says the 30-year-old and draws a comparison to flying an airplane. “The airliner accelerates on the runway but it never keeps its nose up, so it gains altitude. That’s exactly how my jump is at the moment and then I hang out like a bird that has been shot.”
In addition to Wellinger, Karl Geiger will also continue to be missing. As in Klingenthal, Luca Roth will be part of the team instead. Felix Hoffmann, Pius Paschke and Philipp Raimund will also be jumping in the last World Cup before the Four Hills Tournament, which begins with qualification on December 28th in Oberstdorf.