What a jump by Kamil Stoch! Immediately into the top ranks in Bischofshofen

It happened! Kamil Stoch is back to the level Polish fans have long been used to. The experienced jumper coped very well at the Bischofshofen hill and was the best performer among our squad. His 133.5 m gave him a high 8th place in the first training and a better mark than, among others, Kacper Tomasiak. Qualifications for the final competition of the Four Hills Tournament take place later today.

The final act of the 74th Four Hills Tournament is at Bischofshofen. The event traditionally takes place on Epiphany, and training rounds ahead of the qualifiers began on Monday at 14:00. Polish fans hoped for a breakthrough from the nation’s stars.

There were bigger worries about Stoch after Innsbruck, where he finished only 41st and did not take his second jump, costing him a shot at a decent TCS placing. He is still fighting for selection to the Winter Olympics and for as high a World Cup ranking as possible in what he has announced will be his final season.

The 38‑year‑old flew to 133.5 m and significantly reassured supporters. The great jump in the first training makes it realistic for him to try for a qualifying spot that would pair him with a theoretically weaker opponent in the contest. In the training series it was enough for a very good 8th place.

Paweł Wąsek did not disappoint in Bischofshofen either. After being disqualified in Innsbruck, he reached 127 m and placed 21st, ahead of two other teammates. Dawid Kubacki landed at 118 m and was 41st. Maciej Kot went half a metre further (117.5 m) and finished 44th.

The training winner was Jan Hoerl (141 m). The Austrian was ahead of Domen Prevc (137.5 m) and Manuel Fettner (137 m).

A second training will precede the qualifications scheduled for 16:30.

Poles' places in the first training:

• 8. Kamil Stoch — 133.5 m • 11. Kacper Tomasiak — 130.5 m • 21. Paweł Wąsek — 127 m • 41. Dawid Kubacki — 118 m • 44. Maciej Kot — 117.5 m

Source: Przegląd Sportowy Onet