Ski jumping

ÖSV podium! Michael Hayböck third in Oberstdorf

Michael Hayböck

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Michael Hayböck sailed to third place in the second Ski Flying World Cup competition in Oberstdorf. The Upper Austrian, who was in second place after the first round, was only beaten by Norway's Johann Andre Forfang and the Slovenian winner Domen Prevc in the final on Sunday. Jan Hörl was the second best Austrian in fifth place, Daniel Tschofenig finished sixth. Stefan Kraft, who was disqualified the day before, finished tenth.

It was Hayböck's third podium finish this winter. The 33-year-old proved his skills in ski flying, whereby the competition was characterized by constantly changing wind conditions and the resulting breaks. Kraft ("That did me good") had a good attempt and was initially in sixth place. Tschofenig fought his way up to ninth place after the first run, while Maximilian Ortner did not even manage to qualify for the final round. Things didn't go well for the previous day's winner and large hill world champion Timi Zajc either. The Slovenian only managed 14th place.

Difficult conditions characterized the competition
"You have to take it as you get it. It changes brutally fast," said Hayböck on ORF. He himself was delighted with a successful set. In the decision on the Klopfer flying hill, Hayböck flew to 229.5 meters, Forfang also finished ahead of the ÖSV eagle thanks to bonus points. Prevc, who was already ahead at half-time, landed at 231.5 meters and ensured the next Slovenian victory after Zajc.

Hörl, who worked his way up from eleventh place to near the podium, could also be satisfied in the end. "Because I fought so hard in ski flying last year, this is almost like a podium finish," said the man from Salzburg, who made up a few points on Tschofenig in the overall World Cup. The Four Hills Tournament winner was not entirely satisfied with his performance: "Sixth place is not quite where we want to be. But you have to classify it properly," said Tschofenig with a view to the difficult competition.

Hayböck's form curve on the rise
Hayböck last stood on the podium in ski flying eight years ago in Vikersund in third place. "A lot of water has run down the drain in the meantime," said the Upper Austrian, who was pleased with a stable performance, especially in the first round. Hayböck saw his form curve on the rise this season. "It was a difficult start. But since Titisee-Neustadt (third place, note) I've become more consistent, more stable. There are almost only top ten results. I look from weekend to weekend and am happy about what works."

Next weekend, the competitions in Willingen are on the program. World Cups in Lake Placid in the USA and Sapporo in Japan await before the World Championships in Trondheim (February 26 to March 9).