Defending champion Eva Pinkelnik made a promising start to the World Cup in fourth place on Saturday after a forced break with a knee problem. The Vorlberg native missed out on her first ÖSV podium of the season by just 1.4 points at the women's premiere on the big hill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. However, she was behind winner Nika Brevk of Slovenia and second-placed Norwegian Erin Maria Quandel.
Pinkelnik (129.5m/127m) finished third behind Canadian Abigail Straight (131/130.5) in the final, but was still happy. Pinkelnig emphasized that in the ORF interview and saw potential for improvement. “But there are some things that could be done better.” Missing the stage didn't bother her. However, the 35-year-old said that the rhythm of the match and some small things in the background could be improved.
Prevc (133/130), 17 years younger, put himself in pole position for the new “Two Nights Tour” with his second straight victory. It will conclude on New Year's Day in Oberstdorf. “Of course it's great, I really enjoyed it and I hope it continues like this,” said Prevc.
The second-best Austrian, Sarah Marita Kramer, was eighth. “The top ten, that's positive, but it's not good for me. But I keep jumping into the top ten and we can build on that,” said the Salzburg native. Other ÖSV athletes did not make it into the top 15. “Especially Eva after a month of abstinence, I Very happy with that. It won't be long before we are on the podium,” said the new coach.
