Federal ski jumping coach Stefan Horngacher has withdrawn five-time world champion Karl Geiger from the World Cup squad a good two weeks before the Four Hills Tournament. The 32-year-old will be replaced by Luca Roth, as the German Ski Association (DSV) announced with a view to the competitions at the home event in Klingenthal.
"Karl will use the days to optimize his jumping technique together with coach Max Mechler," said Horngacher. Geiger has had a difficult winter so far and has only scored World Cup points in two competitions this season. In Wisla, Poland, he recently had no chance at all and failed to qualify twice in 56th and 54th place. It remains to be seen when Geiger could return to the World Cup.
Wellinger is looking forward to Klingenthal
Things are going similarly modestly for Andreas Wellinger. Although the 2018 Olympic champion had a runaway success in Ruka, Finland, with seventh place, he also lagged behind in Wisla. Unlike Geiger, however, the 30-year-old will be competing in Klingenthal.
"Andreas Wellinger, who is not as far away as the results suggest, has spent the last few days training in Ramsau with coach Andreas Mitter," said Horngacher. Wellinger is looking forward to the hill in Klingenthal, added the head coach.
Klingenthal will be followed by Engelberg, then after the Christmas break the tour opener in Oberstdorf on December 29th awaits.
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