Vierschanzentournee - Triple Victory for Austria, Paschke Just Misses Podium

Vierschanzentournee - Triple Victory for Austria, Paschke Just Misses Podium

Stefan Kraft has won the opening jump of the 73rd Vierschanzentournee. The Austrian triumphed on Sunday (December 29, 2024) with his fellow countrymen Jan Hörl and Daniel Tschofenig claiming second and third place, respectively. Pius Paschke finished fourth, keeping the hope alive for Germany to secure its first tour victory in 23 years.

On the Schattenberg hill, Paschke (Kiefersfelden) was just behind the Austrians Kraft and Hörl after the first round. In the final jump, Paschke soared to 133.5 meters in front of over 25,000 spectators. However, it wasn't enough for third place as Daniel Tschofenig made an impressive jump of 140.5 meters, moving from seventh to the podium while Hörl and Kraft held their positions.

"It was a good competition for me. The second jump was right at the limit and very sharp," said Paschke at the ARD microphone, adding, "We’ll see what the tour has to offer."

Paschke is 13.8 points behind Kraft in the overall standings. Head coach Stefan Horngacher expressed a positive outlook: "Pius is in striking distance and did a good job. Karl's second jump was also very good. Now we look forward to the jump in Garmisch."

Four more jumpers from the national group, including Markus Eisenbichler, will join for the next competition.

Three Germans Eliminate Early

Tucked away at the top, Paschke was the only German who could mix it up in the top spots. Only three of the six DSV jumpers managed to qualify for the final, as Stephan Leyhe, Philipp Raimund, and Adrian Tittel were eliminated. Karl Geiger and Andreas Wellinger were no longer in contention for podium finishes after the first round.

Geiger Improves Significantly

Although Geiger lost his duel against Poland's Pawel Wasek (137 meters) in the first round, he got through to the final with 135 meters as a Lucky Loser. Showing determination, Geiger announced, "There's still more to come," and shortly after delivered a textbook jump of 137 meters, climbing ten places in the rankings, keeping him in the race for the tour victory. "I had goosebumps, I was fully adrenalized. It’s a privilege to experience this," Geiger said while reflecting on his performance.

Disappointments for Wellinger and Raimund

For Andreas Wellinger, the tour began with considerable disappointment. The 29-year-old, who caused quite a stir with his victory last year in Oberstdorf, had an unfortunate first jump, only reaching 129 meters and landing in 23rd place. His subsequent 132.5 meters improved his ranking to 20th, but it was not an impressive showing.

Philipp Raimund also had a day to forget. The native Oberstdorfer didn’t handle the pressure of his home jump well. With 119.5 meters, he left early after the first round, while the wind wasn’t on his side subsequently.

Norwegians Bounce Back

The Norwegians, who had struggled earlier in the season, stepped up significantly at the season's first high point. Unlike the Germans, all six Norwegian jumpers made it to the final. They not only featured André Johann Forfang (140 m/136 m) but also Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal (134 m/135.5 m), competing in contention for the tour victory. Halvor Egen Granerud (127 m) didn't hold up to his first-round performance (136 m) but still surprised with a strong finish.

Kraft Now the Prey

The next competition will be the New Year jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1:30 PM, live stream at sportschau.de) followed by two more events in Innsbruck (January 3) and Bischofshofen (January 6). Stefan Kraft will be the one to watch as he enters the spotlight with impressive early-season form, following his first win of the season.