In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024/25 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup season, Austria ended Slovenia’s impressive winning streak by clinching the team title at Planica. The Austrian team, led by Crystal Globe winner Daniel Tschofenig, showcased remarkable skill and determination, overcoming challenging weather conditions to secure victory.
Key Takeaways
- Austria won the team title with a total of 1749.3 points.
- Germany finished in second place with 1720.2 points, while Slovenia took third with 1707.2 points.
- The event attracted nearly 20,000 spectators despite adverse weather conditions.
- This victory marked the end of Slovenia’s seven-event winning streak across various categories.
Austria’s Winning Performance
The Austrian team, consisting of Daniel Tschofenig, Manuel Fettner, Jan Hoerl, and Stefan Kraft, delivered a stellar performance at the HS240 Ski Flying Hill. Tschofenig, who recently secured the Crystal Globe, played a pivotal role in Austria’s success, providing a strong start that set the tone for the competition.
In the first round, Tschofenig’s jump helped Austria gain a slight edge over Poland, while Slovenia struggled to find their rhythm. Despite a strong opening jump from Slovenia’s Domen Prevc, the team faced challenges as they fell behind in the rankings.
The Battle for Podium Positions
As the competition progressed, the weather worsened, with rain impacting the athletes’ performances. The top three teamsโAustria, Germany, and Sloveniaโbattled fiercely for the podium positions. Germany’s Markus Eisenbichler, competing in his final event, delivered two impressive jumps, securing second place for his team.
The standings after the first round were as follows:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austria | 1749.3 |
| 2 | Germany | 1720.2 |
| 3 | Slovenia | 1707.2 |
Slovenia’s Streak Comes to an End
Slovenia entered the event with high hopes, having won seven consecutive competitions across all categories. However, their performance at Planica fell short of expectations. Despite a strong showing from Anze Lanisek, who improved his jump in the second round, the team could not reclaim the lead.
The final round saw Austria solidify their victory, with Stefan Kraft needing only a modest jump to secure the title. He exceeded expectations with a remarkable 230m leap, sealing Austria’s triumph.
Conclusion and Future Events
The Planica team event not only marked a significant victory for Austria but also a bittersweet farewell for Germany’s Eisenbichler, who received a warm send-off from fans and family. As the season draws to a close, the final individual competition is set to take place on March 30, 2025, promising to be an exciting conclusion to the ski jumping season.
With Austria’s victory, the stage is set for a competitive future, as teams prepare for the next season, eager to challenge for the top spots once again.
