Ski Jumping: Austria flies to victory with superiority

“Mega, I have never had such a big lead in a group competition,” said an overjoyed Kraft as he ran out. The team was great. Vitner was also satisfied. “We are all very happy with the result. We knew that the team competition could be our chance to get close again in the Tour of Poland,” the veteran explained.

In the overall standings of the newly created Poland Tour, Austria is just 2.4 points behind Slovenia heading into the final competition on Sunday. Kraft impressed at the foot of the Tatra Mountains with jumps of 141 and 138.5 meters and gave head coach Andreas Vidholzl's side a comfortable lead in the first half. The victory in Poland was very special for Kraft, as he tied with Gregor Schlerenzhauer at the top of the all-time list with his 35th podium finish in the team competition.

Team winner Bergisel Hörle (129/137), Wittner (130/137) and Haebock also kept their nerve in the difficult windy conditions, meaning ÖSV Adler were able to celebrate together in Zakopane, like last year. Starting jumper Hayböck increased his jump from 127 to 142.5 meters in the second round and paved the way for success in the final for the best-of-eight teams.

The force holds the only record in Poland

On Sunday (4pm, live on ORF1 and on stream) there is an individual competition on the program at the end. Kraft won qualifying on Friday. The 30-year-old from Salzburg is aiming for a 109th World Cup podium finish in an individual competition, which would make him the most consistent pole vaulter in the history of ski jumping ahead of Finland's Jan Ahonen (108).