On March 15, 2025, the beautiful setting of Vikersund, Norway, plays host to the exhilarating ski flying events as part of the Raw Air Tour 2025. Known for its grandeur, the Vikersundbakken is not just the largest ski flying hill globally, boasting a Hill size of 240 meters, but it also serves as the backdrop for thrilling competitions.
It's been quite the lead-up to this event, particularly with Nika Prevc, the young Slovenian star, setting the stage for excitement by breaking the women's world record with her jump of 236 meters on March 14, 2025. This achievement has certainly heightened expectations for her first appearance at the Vikersund competitions. With remarkable talent and determination, Prevc has emerged as one of the fiercest competitors.
The Swiss international league of ski jumping will witness both men's and women's competitions taking place on March 15, 2025. The women's race is set to begin at 10:45 AM, followed by the men's at 5 PM. These events will be broadcast live on ZDF, Eurosport 1, and ORF 1, allowing fans all over to enjoy the aerial feats of these extraordinary athletes.
Viewing options include free broadcasting on ZDF starting at 10:45 AM, with the renowned sports personality Eike Papsdorf serving as the commentator for the women’s event. The men's individual jump will follow later, featuring Stefan Bier at the helm as commentator. Audiences can also access the live stream on the ZDF Mediathek, as well as through Eurosport's paid streaming services such as Discovery+, Joyn, or DAZN.
But who will clinch the victories today? The expectations are high as the competition stiffens, with several seasoned athletes vying for the top spots. The men's field features the likes of Karl Geiger, who recently made it to the podium at the Holmenkollen competition, securing third place after Ryoyu Kobayashi and Jan Hörl. Geiger’s previous performances highlight his potential to excel at Vikersund and possibly steal the spotlight from the favorites.
Kobayashi and Hörl remain strong contenders, having dominated previous ski flying events this year. The 2017 record set by Stefan Kraft at 253.5 meters towers over the competition, highlighting the challenges the current jumpers face. Meanwhile, local favorites like Andreas Wellinger and Pius Paschke also hope to make their mark after showing commendable skills throughout the season.
The schedule for ski flying events over the weekend continues with the men’s individual second flight set for March 16, 2025 at 4:35 PM, after another qualification round at 3:05 PM. On the same day, the women will compete again at 10:45 AM for their second single event.
This event marks the exciting culmination of the Raw Air series, with attention focused on the stars of ski jumping who are not only competing for glory but also their positions within the overall World Cup standings. Daniel Tschofenig leads the charge with 1,635 points, followed closely by Jan Hörl with 1,503 points, both of whom will be seeking to maintain their leads as competitors like Andreas Wellinger and Karl Geiger pursue valuable points.
Overall, ski flying is not just about individual prowess; it's about countries showcasing their talent, hoping to emerge victorious on international grounds. Whether Prevc continues her record-breaking streak or whether Geiger can challenge the giants of the sport, March 15 promises to be full of thrilling moments against the scenic backdrop of Norway's largest ski flying hill.
Fans around the globe eagerly await the broadcast of the leaps and bounds to be made on this grand stage, with the thrill of sport bringing everyone together. "We have high hopes for this competition, and I am excited about what lies ahead," stated Eike Papsdorf. With every jump, the anticipation mounts, and the promise of exceptional performances is palpable.