Kamil Stoch achieves best-ever result at Hinzenbach but narrowly misses the podium

The Summer Grand Prix cycle entered its decisive phase in Hinzenbach, Austria. Beyond the overall standings, results on this hill are often viewed as a bellwether for the upcoming winter, especially this year with the competition held unusually late.

Polish qualifications and training did not inspire much optimism, and the early part of the competition confirmed mixed form. Maciej Kot (32nd) and Aleksander Zniszczoł (33rd) both missed the second round.

Paweł Wąsek (28th at halfway after 81 m) and Piotr Żyła (23rd after 85.5 m) advanced to the final. Dawid Kubacki sat 15th at the break.

Kamil Stoch, who traditionally has struggled at Hinzenbach, produced an excellent first jump to 92 m, placing him third at the interval behind Jan Hörl (94 m) and Philipp Raimund (89.5 m).

Second round: - Paweł Wąsek improved significantly to 89 m, briefly taking the lead and finishing 22nd (up six places). - Piotr Żyła also went farther than in round one, climbing seven spots to 16th. - Dawid Kubacki maintained his upward trend, finishing 14th with 89 m. - Stoch’s shorter second jump of 87 m left him just off the podium in 4th—still his best career finish at Hinzenbach.

The podium was: 1) Philipp Raimund, 2) Daniel Tschofenig, 3) Jan Hörl. The late-season Grand Prix form is considered particularly indicative heading toward the winter World Cup.