In a dramatic conclusion to the ski flying season, the Austrian team emerged victorious in the final team competition held in Planica on March 29, 2025, while Germany's Markus Eisenbichler bid an emotional farewell to his illustrious career.
The Austrian quartet, featuring the newly crowned overall World Cup champion Daniel Tschofenig, along with Manuel Fettner, Jan Hoerl, and Stefan Kraft, scored a total of 1749.3 points, comfortably defeating the German team, which finished with 1720.2 points. Slovenia rounded out the podium in third place with 1707.2 points.
Austrian dominance was evident from the outset, as they led after the first round by more than ten points. The gap widened to a decisive 29.1 points by the end of the competition, showcasing their strength in the final event of the season.
While the Austrian team celebrated their success, the emotional highlight of the day was undoubtedly the farewell of Markus Eisenbichler. The 33-year-old German ski jumper, who has had a storied career, took to the slopes one last time as the anchor jumper for his team. Eisenbichler delivered two impressive jumps of 223.5 meters, securing second place for Germany and leaving a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike.
"This means a lot to me and is very emotional. It was just nice to make two good jumps one last time," Eisenbichler reflected after the competition. His heartfelt goodbye was celebrated by teammates and fans alike, who showered him with champagne and cheers in the landing area.
The competition unfolded with Karl Geiger starting for Germany, jumping 228.5 meters, which initially placed them in a strong position. Andreas Wellinger then took the lead for the team with a remarkable jump of 226.5 meters, but Pius Paschke faced challenges, losing valuable distance with a late takeoff.
Despite the setback, Eisenbichler's final performance was a testament to his skill and determination. He expressed confidence leading up to his last jump, stating, "Today we are fighting!" His teammates rallied around him, showcasing the camaraderie that has defined the German team throughout the season.
In the second round, Geiger and Wellinger continued to perform well, with Geiger achieving a jump of 226 meters and Wellinger following suit with 227 meters. Paschke also contributed with a solid 215.5 meters, helping to secure their second-place finish.
As Eisenbichler prepared for his final leap, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. He soared through the air, landing at 223.5 meters, and was met with an outpouring of appreciation from his teammates and fans. Banners reading "Thank you, Eisei" adorned the landing area, celebrating his contributions to the sport.
Reflecting on his career, Eisenbichler noted, "I have to fight with myself right now because it's emotional. I didn't think we would have such a great send-off. I'm proud of the boys, the coaches, and a little bit of myself too." His sentiment resonated with many, as he has been a significant figure in German ski jumping, holding six world championship titles and earning a bronze medal in the team event at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
While Austria claimed the victory, the German team's performance was commendable, showcasing their depth with multiple jumpers landing in the top ranks. The Polish team, despite a strong showing from Piotr Zyla, who jumped 231 meters, finished fourth with 1680.6 points, while Japan placed fifth with 1673.1 points.
As the season comes to a close, the final individual ski flying event is set for March 30, 2025, where only the top 30 athletes from the overall World Cup will compete. The trial round will commence at 08:30, followed by the competition starting at 09:30, promising an exciting finale to the ski flying season.
Markus Eisenbichler's career has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his farewell in Planica was a fitting tribute to a remarkable journey. As fans and fellow competitors bid him goodbye, they celebrated not just his achievements but the spirit of ski jumping that he embodied throughout his distinguished career.
