At this year’s early World Cup opener at the weekend in Wisla, two hybrid competitions are waiting for the world’s best ski jumpers: although they start off on an ice track, they land on mats. Otherwise, jumping in the Polish city would not have been possible. “I would like the World Cup to take place in winter and everything to be on snow. But this year it’s a great alternative because we get TV time and have another competition,” says Stefan Kraft, looking forward to the start with mixed feelings.
For Austria’s flagship eagle, an early start to the season usually doesn’t bode well. “Up until now, I’ve only really gotten into shape at the end of the season,” says the team’s Olympic champion, who changed his summer training to be able to get involved right from the start.
In mid-October, Kraft left the entire domestic elite behind at the national championships on the normal hill, and Kraft also took a podium place from the Summer Grand Prix. “I was very satisfied with my Grand Prix performance. There were a few very good jumps,” said the current normal hill world champion. The consistency was still missing. It was worked on. “I don’t think I need to hide.”
Two Upper Austrians in Wisla
The women also start the season on Saturday in Wisla. High-flyer Sara Marita Kramer was still holding back with big declarations of war. The World Cup titleholder stated that things are only “going uphill” at the moment. “My goal is to be able to fight at the front again and be one of the best,” said the 21-year-old.
With Jacqueline Seifriedsberger and Michael Hayböck, who was recently involved in the Continental Cup, there are two Upper Austrians in the ÖSV squad.
Source: Nachrichten
