Ski jumpers leap into the second weekend – the competition in Ruka begins on Friday

FIS Ski Jumping World Cup continues in Ruka this weekend, when Friday’s qualification starts the competition. This weekend consists of two large hill competitions.

There isn’t one clear favorite for victory: the competition begins with interesting prospects.

One of the biggest favorites is Germany’s Pius Paschke, who had an excellent beginning to the season. Paschke, 34, holds the lead in the World Cup after winning the first large hill competition and came second in the following competition in Lillehammer. Last season, Paschke placed 10th in the World Cup and second in last year’s competition.

Another favorite to win in Ruka is Austria’s Stefan Kraft, who won last year’s World Cup by a clear margin. Kraft has won both the World Cup and the World Championship thrice. He is, however, not the only Austrian who has begun his season well.

Kraft with fellow Austrian jumpers Jan Hoerl, Daniel Tschofenig and Maximilian Ortner hold positions 2 to 5 in Cup standings.

Ryoyu Kobayashi, who placed 2nd in last year’s World Cup, had a disappointing weekend in Lillehammer, but should be considered a winning contender. Kobayashi is 16th in the World Cup.

Andreas Wellinger, who was 3rd in the World Cup, and has won gold both in Olympic and World Championships, is a strong contender for victory in Ruka.
Qualification for Saturday’s competition is held on Friday, and Sunday’s qualifying and competition will be held consecutively.

Text: Vertti Värekoski
Photo: Jenny Yliselä