The ski jumping world is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 Raw Air Tour rolls through Vikersund, Norway. Action began on March 14, 2025, with both men and women taking to the air at the world’s largest ski flying hill, the Vikersundbakken, which boasts a hillsize of 240 meters.
The day was particularly remarkable for Nika Prevc, who shattered the women’s world record during training, soaring to an impressive 236 meters. This accomplishment not only added her name to the record books but also set the stage for the thrilling events to follow.
Later the same day, the men took the spotlight during the qualification rounds. Domen Prevc, Nika’s brother, claimed victory with the same impressive distance of 236 meters, equaling his sister’s record and showcasing the Prevc family's dominance on this world stage. The atmosphere was electric, as fans cheered their performances, and the stakes were exceptionally high.
From the German team, Andreas Wellinger and Karl Geiger made their mark as well, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, with jumps of 225 meters and 225.5 meters. Just 0.2 points separated them, showing how close the competition was. They both managed to gain ground on the Raw Air standings, where they now trail only slightly behind overall leader Ryoyu Kobayashi.
Kobayashi, who finished seventh with 216.5 meters, now finds himself only 0.8 points above Domen Prevc, making the upcoming events increasingly competitive. The tension is palpable as every jump counts, and with 26 jumpers flying over the 200-meter mark, the qualifications revealed the skill and perseverance of the world's best ski flyers.
Saturday, March 15 marks the beginning of the first official competitions for both men and women, and anticipation continues to grow. The women’s event is set to kick off at 10:45 AM, with live broadcasts across multiple networks including ZDF, Eurosport 1, and ORF 1. The first men’s individual flying competition begins at 5:00 PM. Viewers can catch these thrilling competitions through Eurosport’s live streams on their paid services, as well as enjoy free access via the ZDF Sportstudio’s online platform.
With commentators Eike Papsdorf, Lena Kesting, and Stefan Bier leading the coverage, fans can expect insightful analysis and thrilling commentary as they cheer on their favorite athletes. The involvement of seasoned commentator Severin Freund will surely add valuable perspectives to the audience, enhancing their viewing experience.
On the competition day, expect tight races as each athlete aims for podium placements and valuable points for the Raw Air Tour rankings. The rivalry continues to heat up, especially after the thrilling qualifications where skill and strategy played pivotal roles.
All eyes will be on Nika and Domen Prevc as they take to the jump on Saturday, with the ski community fully backing them to continue their remarkable performances. Can they retain the top spots? Will Wellinger and Geiger seize the moment and close the gap? These questions hang heavy as the athletes prepare for what promises to be another breathtaking day of ski flying.
Stay tuned as the action continues to unfurl at Vikersund, where every jump has the potential to rewrite records. The stage is set, the competitors are ready, and the world is watching.