As of: December 21, 2024 5:58 p.m
Pius Paschke clearly missed his fourth individual victory in a row on the last World Cup weekend before the Four Hills Tournament. In Engelberg, Karl Geiger shone on his favorite hill on Saturday (December 21, 2024), while Andreas Wellinger was the best German.
After his 14th and 17th places a week earlier in Titisee-Neustadt, the 31-year-old violinist finished fifth in the double victory of the Austrians Jan Hörl and Daniel Tschofenig. Wellinger narrowly missed the podium in fourth place. Paschke ended up in tenth place; after five wins and a second and third place, it was only the second time for the dominator of the winter that he missed the top three.
National coach Horngacher and Paschke are not dissatisfied
“I'm not surprised, even Pius can't always win”said national coach Stefan Horngacher in the Sportschau interview. “It was a bit mixed up today with the wind, but in terms of results it was okay. In general there were good performances from the boys, but unfortunately there were some not so good performances.”
“It was the little things, but they made the difference.”Paschke analyzed in the Sportschau conversation. “I've done well in eight of nine competitions, but today it wasn't ideal. If I end up in tenth place, that's okay. It wasn't that easy at one time, but now I'm looking forward to it getting easier again .”
Geiger “gets into weightless gliding again”
In a complicated first round, Paschke had already lost touch with the top when he was only eighth with 134 meters (in the second jump it was 8.5 meters less) and far away from the Austrian double lead.
Only Geiger (who has already won twice in Engelberg in his career) had close contact with them. In poorer conditions he flew 134.5 meters and was eight points behind the leader Tschofenig, who achieved the longest jump of the first round with 142.5 meters.
“It's not that easy here, but I caught the jump really well and was happy that I was able to glide weightlessly again. I was in a flying position in which I noticed that it would be uncomplicated and that I would have to work less and enjoy the flight”said Geiger happily after his first jump in the Sportschau interview. “I know I can do it, I just can't get it off the assembly line right now.”
Wellinger impressed with the second jump
Andreas Wellinger is currently experiencing a similar situation (fourth and 14th in Engelberg), who is currently no longer able to match his form from Ruka when he was victorious – but also made an outstanding jump again. At halftime he took eleventh place with 128 meters, but many opponents – including Paschke – bit their teeth on his 140 meters in the second round.
Wellinger moved up to a strong fourth place and was 0.4 points ahead of Geiger. The 29-year-old showed that he – like Geiger and Paschke anyway – is a force to be reckoned with at the Four Hills Tournament (December 28, 2024 to January 6, 2025).
Raimund gains a tour advantage
Paschke, Wellinger and Geiger have secured their places for the Four Hills Tournament after Christmas – so one ticket is still open. Philipp Raimund, Stephan Leyhe and Markus Eisenbichler are currently still fighting for the nomination, but after jumping in Engelberg this trio should have a clear favorite.
Raimund was the only one who made it into the second round. With 128 meters, he not only clearly surpassed his two tour competitors, but he also made it into the top 30 in 24th place. In the end, Raimund was still disappointed after a set over 116 meters, he only came in 27th.
Leyhe had already landed after 123.5 meters on his first jump and was a little at a loss. “You kind of notice the pressure unconsciously, but of course you want to improve your jumps. Mine wasn't as good as in training or in qualification, but I don't really know why.”said the 32-year-old, who was 35th in the final rankings. Things went even worse for Eisenbichler, who was eliminated in 44th place with only 119 meters. Adrian Tittel (49./111 meters) also had no chance.
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