Ski jumping - Planica instead of Garmisch: Eisenbichler's unusual end to the year
Markus Eisenbichler is facing an unusual New Year's Eve. Instead of toasting with his team colleagues in a cozy atmosphere at the team hotel and then mentally preparing for the New Year's competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the six-time world champion will be looking for his ski jumping form in Planica, Slovenia. The 72nd Four Hills Tournament will definitely take place without the long-time top performer. Even the national group, which allows additional athletes to take part in the home event, will not be enough.
There is no end in sight to the slump. The 32-year-old's current crisis is also a mystery to ski jumping legend Sven Hannawald. "It's a bit bitter," said the 2002 overall tour winner recently on ARD. "Once he's in his spiral, he's incredibly difficult to get out of it. Jumpers like him then try to force it, then it gets even worse."
In December, a sponsor had advertised a ticket competition with Eisenbichler for the New Year's competition. The federal police officer has not been part of national coach Stefan Horngacher's A squad since the start of the season. The latter had recently made critical comments about the Bavarian.
The qualification will take place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on New Year's Eve (1.45 pm/ZDF and Eurosport). The competition will then take place on January 1st (14:00/ZDF and Eurosport).
Information on the Four Hills Tournament Results Four Hills Tournament The overall World Cup standings News on ski jumping from the German Ski Association
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- Despite the crisis, Markus Eisenbichler was initially expected to participate in the New Year's competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular destination for Winter sports in Bavaria, Germany.
- However, due to his poor performance, he won't be participating in the 72nd Four Hills Tournament, often referred to as the 'four hills tour', in his hometown Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
- Instead, Eisenbichler will be traveling to Planica, Slovenia, known for its impressive ski jumping venue, to regain his form before the start of the new year.
- The Austrian Ski Association had earlier announced that a sponsor was offering tickets for the New Year's competition along with Eisenbichler, but due to his absence, those plans have been altered.
- The absence of Eisenbichler from the Four Hills Tournament, a traditional World Cup event, is a significant loss for German ski jumping, given his six-time world champion status.
- Sven Hannawald, a ski jumping legend, has expressed frustration over Eisenbichler's current crisis, stating that once a jumper like him enters a negative spiral, it's challenging to bring him out.
- The qualification for the New Year's competition will still take place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with coverage on ZDF and Eurosport at 1:45 PM on New Year's Eve.
- Germany's Nordic skiing community will be eagerly waiting for Eisenbichler's return to form, hoping that he can regain his dominance in the sport by the time the next major event arrives.
Source: www.stern.de
