Ski jumping: Daniel Tschofenig takes the helm of the Tour
This year’s New Year’s Eve competition on the Four Hills Tournament was a sell-out! No fewer than 22,000 spectators turned out for the second Vierschanzentournee competition, most of them rooting for the Germans on home soil.
But they still had to get up early to dislodge the Austrians from the top positions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany). Although Stefan Kraft missed out in the first run (provisional 14th) and lost the lead of the Tour, there were still many who could have secured victory. Starting with Michael Hayboeck, who set a new springboard record of 145 metres in the first run!
Despite this achievement, he did not take the lead in the competition. He was second behind Daniel Tschofenig. Gregor Deschwanden completes the provisional podium, preventing the Wünderteam from making it three.
In fact, it was only the Swiss who really upset the order established by the Austrians since the start of the Tour. Deschwanden finished second of the day, behind Tschofenig and his 143 metres, who takes the lead of the Tour. Michael Hayboeck completed the podium ahead of Anze Lanisek, who was back to his best.
However, there were disappointments for Kraft, only eighth, and the Germans: Karl Geiger was sixth, Pius Paschke ninth and Andreas Wellinger tenth. Not enough to dream of a final victory on the Tour.
Valentin Foubert close to the top 20
As in Oberstdorf (Germany), Valentin Foubert lost his KO system to Norway’s Benjamin Oestvold. With 131 metres (compared with 133 metres for the Scandinavian), the Frenchman was far from demerited and earned his place among the lucky losers in the final round.
He finished the New Year’s competition in twenty-first place with a second jump of 132.5 metres.
Full results
The general ranking of the Tournée des Quatre Tremplins
The overall World Cup standings
- Four Tremplins Tour: Stefan Kraft wins the first round in Oberstdorf, Valentin Foubert 28th
- Four Tremplins Tour: Jan Hoerl wins the Garmisch-Partenkirchen qualifier, Valentin Foubert 16th
