The Vorarlberg native was only beaten by German Katharina Althaus and Canadian Alexandria Loutitt on Wednesday evening. For Pinkelnig it was already the 18th podium finish this season. Chiara Kreuzer improved from 17th to seventh thanks to a 136.5 m jump.
Pinkelnig, who recently suffered from a cold and was able to fixate the big crystal ball, was happy. “Very cool conclusion here in Lillehammer, it’s just easier to jump when you’re physically fit,” she said in an ORF TV interview. She was able to activate herself differently for the competition and is now well prepared for the weekend. The women’s premiere on a ski flying hill is imminent, which the top jumpers are really looking forward to.
“We’re all hot for it”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing this monster baker live, then we’ll see what happens,” said Pinkelnig. What she expects? “It’s going to be awesome, those who drive will put on a cool show, we’re all excited.” Pinkelnig also congratulated Althaus, who has already celebrated her seventh win of the season and was happy about her own 18th podium finish this winter at the World Championships. “It’s completely crazy, I’m enjoying it.”
For Vikersund, where the raw air rating is also decided, Pinkelnig has already talked to many male colleagues. “I received very cool tips.” She wants to approach her new task with a certain ease, but with full focus.
Mixed feelings at Kreuzer
Chiara Kreuzer, who jumped the day’s highest jump of 136.5 meters in the second round, had mixed feelings. “Somehow joy and sorrow were close together, because the first jump was actually extremely easy, but I caught such a side gust.” This was also rated as an updraft, although this was disruptive to her performance. “Because the skis were gone. That’s just ski jumping, you don’t always have everything in your own hands.” She is now hoping for “three cool flying days” for Vikersund.
The Slovenian Ema Klinec now leads the overall Raw Air standings ahead of Althaus and Selina Freitag (GER). Kreuzer is fifth immediately ahead of Pinkelnig. Cruisers are missing 65.7 points on Klinec, since flying hills can vary a lot, this is not completely hopeless.
As 15th, Julia Mühlbacher would also just about qualify for the first women’s ski flying event at the weekend in Vikersund, which concludes the tour, but she does not.
Source: Nachrichten
