Globetrotter Kraft is already flying in a league of its own

The six-week trip around the world that Stefan Kraft took with his wife Marisa in the summer was clearly good for the 30-year-old from Salzburg. The three-time world champion, team Olympic champion and ski flying world record holder impressively left his mark on the start of the season in Ruka in the Arctic Circle – and at the same time gave the competition something to think about. “The hard training has paid off. At the moment I’m the best – that’s wonderful and unbelievable,” says Kraft, who was in top form after a moment of shock on Friday (stopping track, gust of wind).

The “model eagle” is so mentally strong that he managed to achieve his World Cup successes 31 and 32 with remarkable margins (on Saturday 10.6 points over Pius Paschke/D, on Sunday even 22.6 points over compatriot Jan Hörl). subject could bring. Kraft also celebrated an anniversary at the end of the Ruka competitions with his 100th place on the podium. Finn Janne Ahonen’s record (109) is within reach – and the ski jump international match between Austria and Germany has begun.

Both nations set the tone at the start: “The Germans are really strong, so we can look forward to a few nice duels. Luckily we won the first ones,” said Kraft, who is a FC Bayern football fan. Michael Hayböck’s heart beats for FC Barcelona, ​​and the Theninger also has a smile on his face. The UVB Hinzenbach athlete impressed with places nine and ten. “This is exactly what I hoped for. With the results comes confidence,” said the 32-year-old.

Confidence is also high among the combined athletes after three podium places, even though there is no match for the Norwegian Jarl Magnus Riiber at the moment. Defending World Cup champion Johannes Lamparter shone as a two-time runner-up (10 km, mass start). There was also Stefan Rettenegger’s first career podium (3rd in the mass start). “What Jarl is doing at the moment is incredible. But we are strong as a team and we can build on that,” said Lamparter.

The biggest surprise from the ÖSV’s perspective came from cross-country skier Mika Vermeulen, who catapulted himself into the world’s best by finishing fourth in the 20 km skating race. Only 1.5 seconds were missing from bronze. “It’s so cool. I saw it coming. It’s good if you can show it to the others,” the 24-year-old cheered.

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