Ski Jumping: Sven Hannawald on Favorites, Rule Changes, and Eisenbichler's Comeback

As the DSV Eagles prepare to jump into the new World Cup season in Lillehammer this weekend, expert Sven Hannawald identifies the usual suspects in the favorites' circle: Austria's Stefan Kraft, Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi, and Germany's Andreas Wellinger.

"He has confidence and is doing great with his equipment," says Hannawald about Wellinger. The 29-year-old is the clear number one on the DSV team and represents the team's best hope for their first victory at the Four Hills Tournament since 2002, when Hannawald himself sparked a ski jumping hype by becoming the first athlete to win all four tournaments in that series.

Hannawald also counts other Germans among the extended favorites, naming Philipp Raimund and Pius Paschke. Last season was a breakthrough for Paschke when he celebrated his first World Cup podium finish in Ruka and won his first victory in Engelberg. This season, Hannawald expects him to show stability. "I assume that Pius has made further progress, and he has a solid impression."

Adrian Tittel, the youngest member of the World Cup team at just 20 years old, is also making his debut. After winning three medals at the Junior World Championships earlier this year, he is ready to break into the elite level now.

Hannawald mentions, "He is very motivated. You can see that he wants to move forward. I remember my first World Cup jumps, where I was nervous and sometimes forgot what to do while jumping. I feel that the young generation handles this pressure cooler."

Eisenbichler's Return

Markus Eisenbichler also returns after a less successful previous season and has fought his way back into the World Cup team. "Fortunately, Markus has found a new path with the coaches. Last season, he made headlines because he sharply criticized a rule change by the FIS."

The new rules state that more points will be deducted for poor landings. Instead of the previous two-point deduction for a poor telemark landing, athletes now risk three points deducted by the judges. "I think this is just ridiculous, to be honest, what the FIS has come up with again," said Eisenbichler regarding the change.

In contrast, Hannawald supports the new approach, stating that ski jumping should focus on clean technique and aesthetic landings, not just distance.

Hannawald: "This is an opportunity for Technical Jumpers"

Hannawald, known for his precise landings, sees this rule change as a chance for athletes to work on their landing technique. "If someone lands awkwardly but still jumps far, to me, that is not what ski jumping is about. This kind of jumper will not succeed in the future, and I think that is good."

Aside from "technically more pleasing" victories, fans can look forward to the World Championships in Norway's Trondheim this season, where Wellinger is among the top favorites. Until then, he can establish his base in Lillehammer.

For full schedules and competitions related to ski jumping, visit our Sportschau ski jumping section.