Two years ago, Lamparter and Co. won bronze at the World Championships in Oberstdorf, and they were third in 2017 and 2019. Behind Norway and Germany, who shared the last four World Cup team titles with two each. In Slovenia too, the Scandinavians with top star Jarl Magnus Riiber and the Germans are likely to be too strong for Austria. “I think Germany and Norway are the favourites. We already have a chance, everything has to fit for that,” said Eugen.
Eugen recalled the bitter fourth place at the Olympics behind Japan. “You saw in Beijing that everything has to work out. Logically, we want to do better,” said the long-standing ÖSV head coach, who also has the strong jumping Japanese on the bill this time. Ideally, the team also wants to annoy the Germans: “A medal color other than bronze would be nice.”
Revenge for fourth place at the Olympics
The miracle of recovery that Eugen had hoped for regarding Rehrl did not materialize. The bronze medalist on the normal hill is still recovering from flu, but is scheduled for the individual on Saturday. With Mario Seidl, another ÖSV top man missed the World Cup because of illness. This is Greiderer’s first assignment in Planica. The Tyrolean hopes for revenge for “Blech” at the Olympics: “It hurt a lot, we all have a score to settle.” Fritz from Styria is also dreaming of a coup. “If we all do our jobs well, we can be at the forefront.”
Rettenegger has already proven his strong form at the World Cup. Together with his teammates, he considers a medal to be quite realistic. “We’re a great team, even if ‘FJ’ (Rehrl, ed.) is missing. I do believe that we will fight at the front,” said Rettenegger. Eugen thinks highly of him. “He has shown stable performances throughout the winter and made a very strong debut in seventh place. He’s in a good mood. It’s fun to have another boy like that with us,” says Eugen.
Lamparter has confidence once more
The other youngster, who is far more successful with seven wins this season, is Rettenegger’s roommate Lamparter. The Tyrolean did not get off to a good start at the World Cup following a great January World Cup, but regained courage with bronze in the mixed team as a short-term replacement for Rehrl. “It was very important for my self-confidence. Of course it’s good to know that I’ve got what it takes. The large hill is where I feel very comfortable,” emphasized the 2021 World Champion, who performed as a strong final skier in mixed.
The 21-year-old rates his team as the third strongest force. “To be honest, Norway is very strong on the hill and they have really good runners. It’s difficult to beat them.” Eugen is convinced that his top man, whom he had dealt a blow with his original non-nomination for the mixed, will still shine. “For Jo it’s definitely fine on the large hill, he made a good jump in mixed. That gives him even more boost for the big one so he can attack once more.”