Kvandal tops qualifications in Zao, men compete in first Ski Flying World Cup of the season

Eirin Maria Kvandal (NOR) continued where she left off last week: on top of the leaderboard. A few days after claiming victory in Sapporo, Kvandal topped the qualification standings in Zao, Japan. While the women gear up for a busy few days of competition in Japan, the men compete in their first Ski Flying World Cup event of the season in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Another exciting weekend on the 2024/25 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup awaits. Three competitions lie ahead for the women in Zao, Japan, so no time is wasted. Things got off to an exciting start on Thursday morning (CET), when they took the hill for the qualification round.

Kvandal impressed everyone with strong jumping to land on top of the leaderboard with 115.1 points, ahead of Alexandria Loutitt (CAN), who scored 110.1 points. Jacqueline Seifriedsberger (AUT) came third with 104.1.

Last year’s winner in Zao, Nika Prevc (SLO), came fourth. Prevc, the 2023/24 Crystal Globe winner and current runner-up in the overall ranking, is looking for back-to-back wins in Zao. Other favorites for the podium include Selina Freitag (GER), Ema Klinec (SLO), Thea Minyan Bjoerseth (NOR) and current World Cup leader Katharina Schmid (GER). 

It’s not just about individual podium finishes this weekend, however. The women compete individually on both Friday and Sunday, with the Super Team event scheduled for Saturday.

Ski Flying weekend for the men

While the women compete in Japan, the men take the hill in Oberstdorf, Germany, for their first Ski Flying World Cup weekend of the season. Individual events are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.

“You can expect a lot, hopefully”, said World Cup leader Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) after the World Cup in Zakopane, Poland, last week. “It (Ski Flying) is a different sport almost. I have strong teammates that can fly really well, so I will try to stick with them. Maybe I can get some news from them as to what to do”, he added with a smile.

One of those teammates is Stefan Kraft, the 2024 World Ski Flying Champion. Another is 2023/24 overall World Cup winner Daniel Huber (AUT), whose season unfortunately came to an end at the end of 2024, after being diagnosed with a cartilage fracture in his knee.

With Huber being absent, Kraft hopes to claim the Ski Flying Crystal Globe himself this season after missing out by three points in 2023/24.

Other favorites include world silver medallist Andreas Wellinger (GER) and 2024 bronze medalist Timi Zajc (SLO).

Wellinger, who finished seventh in the overall rankings last year, can’t wait to compete at home. “Ski Flying is always a highlight, a reason for happiness”, he said. “It’s nice we’re competing at home, there will be a sensational atmosphere around. I’m looking forward to a very good competition.”

His teammate Pius Paschke (GER) agreed. “It’s the first time we’re Ski Flying this season. That’s always something special, something fun”, Paschke said. “I hope the weather will be on our side this weekend and hopefully we can show something great. I have fond memories of last year’s competition in Oberstdorf, where we had a great crowd. I’m looking forward to having all the home support again.”

Facts and Figures

Women 

·      Three days of competition are coming up in Zao, Japan, this weekend. The women will compete individually on Friday and Sunday, while the Super Team event takes place on Saturday.

·      Nika Prevc (SLO) and Katharina Schmid (GER) both have four wins so far this season. The difference between them in the World Cup ranking is 78 points.

·      Nika Prevc (SLO) won the individual event in Zao (JPN) last year. Slovenia topped the standings in the Super Team Event in 2024.

·      Only one individual competition was held in Zao last year. The second day of competition was cancelled due to strong wind, heavy rain and snow.

Men

·      Oberstdorf, Germany, hosts the first Ski Flying World Cup event of the 2024/25 season.

·      The best ski jumpers in the world will try and break the world record.

·      Timi Zajc (SLO) and Stefan Kraft (AUT) won the Ski Flying competitions in Oberstdorf last year.

·      Daniel Huber (AUT) won the 2023/24 overall World Cup in Ski Flying, finishing three points clear of Stefan Kraft (AUT)

·      Stefan Kraft (AUT) is the 2024 World champion in Ski Flying. Andreas Wellinger (GER) took silver, Timi Zajc (SLO) the bronze.

·      Oberstdorf will host the 2026 FIS Ski Flying World Championships.