Ski jumping in Wisla: Less than 20 centimeters missing

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Markus Eisenbichler

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Photo Olimpik / imago images / NurPhoto

The German ski jumpers Pius Paschke, Stephan Leyhe, Markus Eisenbichler and final jumper Karl Geiger took second place in the thrilling team competition in Poland, which is influenced by difficult wind conditions. In the end, less than 20 centimeters were missing from victory. The German team only just had to admit defeat to the victorious Austrians in Wisla on Saturday. After the first round, the quartet of national coach Stefan Horngacher was still in fourth place. Third place went to the Slovenes, who had led before the last jump.

In front of several thousand enthusiastic fans who, for the most part, celebrated a big ski jumping party with loud stadium music and horns, without any distance or mask, the Germans did not get along so well at the beginning and were also unlucky.

The difficult conditions and sub-optimal jumps came together and ensured that the team from the German Ski Association was only fourth at half-time.

After his jump to 107 meters, Eisenbichler shook his head angrily.

But nothing was lost yet.

Geiger and Eisenbichler with impressive early form

"Today is a difficult day, everyone has to make two decent jumps," said Geiger after the first round on the ARD and confidently added: "So let's wait and see." The Oberstdorfer was proved to be right. In the second round, Paschke (122.5 meters) and Leyhe (120.5) brought the Germans closer to first place. Eisenbichler followed up with an emotionally applauded set on 130 meters, the violinist, who has been so constant so far this winter, brought the DSV quartet even very close to victory with his second jump on 125 meters.

Geiger and Eisenbichler in particular are showing impressive early form in this still young season.

They can be expected again this winter, which includes numerous highlights in the Four Hills Tournament, the Winter Games in Beijing and the Ski Flying World Championships.

In four individual competitions so far, the two Bavarian friends had given the German team five podium places.

After the first team competition in 2021/22, an individual competition continues this Sunday.

ara / dpa