Four new Austrian champions crowned this weekend
Sep 27, 2020·Ski Jumping
The men's and women's Austrian National Ski Jumping championships were held this weekend in Eisenerz and Bischofshofen.
On Saturday, Gregor Schlierenzauer could celebrate the title on the normal hill in Eisenerz. With jumps of 107 m and 108.5 m, the 30-year-old was the best in both rounds and took the win with 255.9 points. "It's a great confirmation for my hard work. It's always nice to stand on top of the podium, it's been a while for me. Now I'm looking forward to the final phase of preparation and to the winter season", said Schlierenzauer.
Markus Schiffner surprised in second with jumps of 105.5 m and 104.5 m and 248.6 points. Jan Hoerl, fifth after the first round, won the bronze medal with 104 m and 103 m and a total of 243.5 points.
Youngster Marco Woergotter, who was second behind Schlierenzauer after the first round, missed his first podium in national championships by only 0.1 points and finished fourth. He was followed by Clemens Aigner and Michael Hayboeck in fifth and sixth.
Overall World Cup champion Stefan Kraft was only eleventh in this competition.
Philipp Aschenwald could then claim the title on the large hill on Sunday afternoon. His jumps of 144m and 135.5 m and earned him a total of 257.9 points and clear win ahead of Michael Hayboeck, who jumped on 133.5 m in the first round and secured his second place with the best jump in the final of 138.5 m and 142.3 points. Surprisingly, the third place went to Thomas Lackner, with 132.5 m and 134.5 m and 239.3 points.
"Yesterday I didn't jump that well on the normal hill. Together with the coaches I then worked on a good concept for today and I was able to show three great jumps. It has always been my goal to win national championships and now I was able to achieve that. I like competing and so it was really cool for the finally have a competition again after such a long time", explained the new Austrian champion.
Close behind the Top 3, Daniel Huber and Manuel Fettner came in fourth and fifth. After his win on the day before, Gregor Schlierenzauer was eighth this time, behind Max Steiner (6th) and Markus Schiffner (7th).
Stefan Kraft missed the Top 10 also on his home hill and finished 12th.
The women's normal hill competition was won by Daniela Iraschko-Stolz with 94.5 m and 99.5 m and 219.3 points. Eva Pinkelnig, the leader after the first round, came in second with 97.5 m and 98.5 m and 215.3 points. The third place went to Sophie Sorschag (96 m and 99 m; 205.9 points). Marita Kramer and Chiara Hoelzl were fourth and fifth.
"I'm very happy that I could win the title at home in Eisenerz. These weren't my best jumps, but it was difficult today. The volunteers and coaches did a good job in clearing the hill from the snow. Today's competition showed me that I'm on the right track and that gives me confidence", said Daniela Iraschko-Stolz.
Chiara Hoelzl dominated the women's competition in Bischofshofen with her jumps of 140.5 m and 127.5 m and 230.8 points. "I had three really good jumps today, it was a great day for me and I'm happy that it went that well for me. After I didn't do that well yesterday, today I was able to focus on what I had to do. This title means a lot to me, it was great to compete again after such a long break and to see that I can be among the best in our team", said the winner.
Daniela Iraschko-Stolz was second with 131.5 m and 116.5 m and 190.9 points, Eva Pinkelnig finished third with 126 m and 117.5 m and 176.3 points.
