Austrian Double win in Ruka

Austria's Stefan Kraft celebrated his second victory at the second World Cup of the winter. As on the previous day, Kraft presented himself in outstanding form and outclassed the entire competition. Second place went to Kraft's team-mate Jan Hörl, more than 22 points behind, with Andreas Wellinger from Germany in third.

With his 100th podium finish in total, Kraft set off fireworks that delighted all observers: "I think that was the best competition of my life," said a delighted Kraft, who shook his head in disbelief after his second jump at the perfection of his jumps. "I've never seen Stefan jump so well since I've been a coach," said ÖSV head coach Andi Widhoelzl, who was also deeply impressed by the Salzburg native's performance. 
Kraft flew two times 148.5 meters on the HS 142 meter Rukantuturi hill in his 32 World Cup victories, plus 32 second places and 36 third places in the World Cup.

22.6 points behind Kraft, teammate Jan Hörl also placed with a top performance: "I was very nervous. A mega day, two good jumps, second place. Mega! Victory or coffin was the motto. I stuck to it and it worked out. A very good result as a team. Everyone was good . A very successful start," said Hörl after his success.

In third place, Andreas Wellinger led a very strong German team: behind Wellinger, Pius Paschke and Stephan Leyhe came 4th and 5th, Karl Geiger was 9th, Philipp Raimund 14th and Martin Hamann 19th.
"My final jump was my best jump here, it was perfect. My goal this winter is to jump continuously at a high level and the weekend here in Ruka was a good start, I can build on that," said Wellinger.

Peter Prevc was the best Slovenian to celebrate 6th place on his return after his serious fall at the World Championships in Planica last winter. In addition to Prevc, Timi Zajc, Anze Lanisek and Domen Prevc also placed well in 8th, 12th and 16th.
The US team had a successful day: 24th place for youngster Erik Belshaw, 30th place and thus first World Cup points for Tate Frantz.

Italy's Andrea Campregher was also able to celebrate the first World Cup points of his career. 28th place in a competition at the highest level on one of the most difficult ski jumps in the world is a very special achievement, and it was only the 22-year-old's second World Cup ever.

Stefan Kraft leads the overall World Cup with 200 out of a possible 200 points, followed by Pius Paschke and Andreas Wellinger in second and third place with 130 and 110 points respectively.
 
In the Nations Cup, the German team leads with 486 points ahead of Austria with 460 points.
 
The World Cup continues next weekend in Lillehammer (NOR) with two competitions (normal and large hill).