Oberstdorf is set to host the opening of the 73rd Vierschanzentournee, one of the most anticipated events on the skiing calendar, starting on December 29, 2024. Skispringen athletes will kick off their season with the event, which not only serves as the first highlight of the season but also has monumental importance for the World Cup standings.
This year's competition promises excitement, with top athletes from Germany and Austria gearing up to challenge for the title. Notably, Karl Geiger, Andreas Wellinger, and Markus Eisenbichler will be representing the German Ski Association (DSV), accompanied by past winners like Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi, who won the event last year without claiming any individual jump victories.
The first event on December 29 will follow several qualifying rounds, which will take place on December 28. Athletes will need to perform excellently during these qualifications as only the best will move on to the main event format, characterized by head-to-head knockouts. It’s not just about making it to the next round; each jump counts significantly toward the overall World Cup score, which intensifies the stakes for every competitor.
According to Wellinger, who won the event last year, "Bei mir kommt es immer ganz auf die Form an," emphasizing the need for consistent performance throughout the Tournee. The psychological pressures of competition can weigh heavily, as athletes have to balance the thrill of performing at home with the anxieties of high expectations. Geiger, equally eager, expressed his fondness for the atmosphere, saying, "Oberstdorf ist natürlich meine Lieblingsstation bei der Tournee, weil es meine Heimat ist. Ich freue mich schon jetzt riesig auf die Stimmung dort." His sentiments capture the essence of what this event means to many local athletes.
Located at the Schattenbergschanze, which will welcome over 40,000 spectators, the venue has earned its reputation for being challenging yet rewarding. It's expected to create electric support for German athletes, with the ambiance only enhancing their performance potential. The Schattenbergschanze’s specifications include an overall height of 140 meters, making it one of the highlights for fans of the sport and athletes alike.
Despite being the favorite among many, past historical data shows the unpredictability of the competition. Skispringen can be notoriously fickle, and as the saying goes—“You can’t win it here, but you can lose it.” The performance early on can set the precedent for how competitors approach the remainder of the Tournee, which transitions from Oberstdorf to Garmisch-Partenkirchen on December 31, then onward to Innsbruck and Bischofshofen.
Looking forward, DSV coach Stefan Horngacher revealed the anxieties surrounding who would make the final cut for the competition slots. The team officially narrowed down to six athletes after evaluating performances during the previous World Cup alongside the Swiss weekend. "Markus Eisenbichler, who has shown inconsistency, will have to wait for his turn after being pushed out by Philipp Raimund through internal competition," Horngacher confirmed.
While Eisenbichler has lamented not being able to compete at Oberstdorf, citing, "Ich war in den letzten Wettkämpfen einfach zu unkonstant. Ich weiß aber, dass ich’s drauf hab," it’s important to note how sharp the competition will be among remaining teammates. The continuation of the Tournee will depend heavily on how each individual athlete performs, particularly under the dual pressure of fan expectations and personal aspirations.
With the event just around the corner, athletes are honing their skills and refining their techniques, gearing up for what promises to be another dramatic year for Skispringen fans. The stage is set for incredible jumps, fierce rivalries, and the potential for surprises. Fans can follow all the live coverage beginning from the qualification rounds and leading right through to the thrilling climax at Bischofshofen.
Skispringen aficionados are advised to tune in as Eurosport, ARD, and ZDF provide extensive broadcast coverage during this year’s Vierschanzentournee. From the stunning vistas of Oberstdorf to the high-octane excitement of the jumps, this year's competition is gearing up to be more thrilling than ever.
