Wellinger and Geiger: Return to the Four Hills Tournament full of questions!

Wellinger and Geiger: Return to the Four Hills Tournament full of questions!

The anticipation for the 74th Four Hills Tournament is palpable, after all, the first competition begins on December 28, 2025 in Oberstdorf. But this vintage also brings challenges. The two top German ski jumpers Andreas Wellinger and Karl Geiger are currently struggling with form problems and did not manage to qualify for the first competitions. Nevertheless, they will be given a second chance as national coach Stefan Horngacher plans to include both jumpers in his team. How schwarzwaelder-bote.de Reportedly, despite these setbacks, the two are considered his “best jumpers in recent years”.

The difficulties already began in the summer: During the World Cups in Wisla and Klingenthal, both remained below their potential. Wellinger was disqualified in Engelberg because of his suit, while Geiger failed at the Summer Grand Prix. In the meantime, Wellinger was able to improve her technique with some time off and took a solid second place at the Italian Championships, but the pressure on her remains high. There is already speculation as to whether they can be in top shape in time for the first competition.

Can they turn things around?

After Geiger and Wellinger were excluded from the A-Team, they joined forces, as did Luca Roth, who strengthened the team in Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. They are said to be training intensively in Planica, followed by a training session on Monday in Predazzo. Horngacher is optimistic, but tempers expectations and explains that there are more important goals such as the World Aviation Championships in January and the Olympic Games in February. Nevertheless, the spectators in Oberstdorf could expect a high performance. The audience is a significant motivator in this prestigious series of events. Wellinger himself is looking forward to the atmosphere of a “shaking stadium” and sees himself within striking distance of his fellow competitors.

The Four Hills Tournament already has a tradition: first held in 1953, over 70 years later it attracts the best jumpers every year and has developed into an integral part of the World Cup. The fans are increasingly looking forward to the stations in Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen, which exploit the entire spectrum of ski jumping. snowtrex.de emphasizes that the events are anchored in the heart of winter sports not only in terms of sport but also in culture.

A look at the best jumpers

This season, other jumpers are also casting their shadows. Philipp Raimund and Felix Hoffmann are among the secret favorites as they are in the top ten of the world rankings. Hoffmann recently celebrated a win at the qualifiers in Engelberg and could be experiencing his first full tour, which gives him additional motivation. The last stop on the tour ultimately offers the opportunity to experience a spectacular show and perhaps break one or two records.

The first jumps promise a lot of excitement and emotions. The questions are clear: Can Geiger and Wellinger find their form again? And who will take advantage of the tour's appearance in the competition? The spectators will get the answer to this in the next few days when the ski jumps in Oberstdorf are ready for the fight for a place on the winner's podium.