The ski jumping season reaches its climax in Lahti, Finland, as the last competitions of the Großschanze format take place on March 22 and 23, 2025. This weekend is packed with excitement, with the Einzel-Wettkampf starting at 16:35 on March 22, followed by a Super-Team-Format event the next day. Athletes are gearing up for a critical showdown, eager to prove their mettle as the World Cup racing intensifies.
Leading the charge is Austrian ski jumper Daniel Tschofenig, who currently sits at the top of the overall standings with nearly 100 points ahead of his closest competitors, Jan Hörl and Stefan Kraft. The significance of this weekend's events cannot be overstated as the athletes aim to secure their standings before the transition to Skifliegen next week. The top three positions overall may very well influence the end of season title, making this weekend's competitions particularly crucial.
The competition brings together 62 athletes from 17 nations, demonstrating the global appeal of ski jumping. Among them is Andreas Wellinger, who is carrying the hopes of the German team as he works to break the so-called Großschanzen-Fluch—the longstanding challenge of securing victory on larger jumps. Wellinger, who has recently shown impressive form by winning the Raw-Air Tour overall title, is viewed as one of the top contenders in Lahti.
Another athlete in the spotlight is Stephan Leyhe, who announced that he would be retiring after this weekend's event. Leyhe stated, "Es gab viele schöne Momente in meiner Karriere, aber natürlich stechen die Olympia- und WM-Medaillen sowie mein Sieg in Willingen heraus," reflecting on the highlights of his career. His final jumps will certainly embody his journey in this beloved sport, as fans and fellow competitors come together to honor his contributions.
Bundestrainer (team coach) Stefan Horngacher expressed confidence in his team's performance, stating, "Die Anlage in Lahti liegt unseren Athleten, wir konnten dort in der Vergangenheit schon viele schöne Erfolge feiern." This weekend will not just be about points but also a chance to celebrate achievements and bid farewell to a valued teammate.
This weekend, the skiers will not only be battling the competition but also the weight of expectations. With Tschofenig's impressive lead in mind, the stakes are high. He will have to fend off challenges from the likes of Ryoyu Kobayashi, who has recently regained form and hopes to leverage his previous experience in Lahti to edge out his rivals.
Prior to the Einzel-Wettkampf, official training will begin at 13:15, followed by qualifications at 15:00, ensuring that every athlete gets a chance to acclimate to the jump before the main event. The layout of Lahti has its own history, hosting 65 Einzelwettbewerbe over the years, with Finnish legend Matti Nykänen standing out as the most successful jumper here, with eight victories.
As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds for the Super-Team-Format, which promises to deliver another layer of competition. With the overall World Cup title hanging in the balance, teams will be looking to bolster their standings and make a dramatic impact in the closing stages of the season.
In conclusion, the competitions in Lahti represent not only the final stand of the Großschanze season but also encapsulate the spirit of ski jumping itself—a sport full of history, rivalry, and emotional farewells. Fans, athletes, and coaches alike will be focused on the jumps that could define careers and shape the future of the sport as they continue to pursue greatness on the slopes.
