Stöckl about magical boundary in Vikersund: – As to jump down from the 3rd floor – Dagbladet.no

VIKERSUND (Dagbladet): There was no new world record in the first of three skiflying competitions in Vikersund this weekend. Robert Kranjec of Slovenia won Friday night after jumps of 236 and 239.5 meters.

Kenneth Gangnes – who finished second – landed on 234.5 and 235 meters. It was a good distance away from the world record set by Anders Fannemel at 251.5 meters from last year.

– It was not optimal conditions in terms of wind. The jury was careful, and I think that’s fine, says national coach Alexander Stöckl to the Norwegian press corps on the field.

Focus on World

In the background is a world-sign at 251.5 meters. As usual when it is skiflyging in Vikersund will be focused on the world record.

– It was not possible to jump world record today. I think it is possible later in the weekend, but it becomes difficult, declares Stöckl.

– How far is it possible to jump in Vikersund?

– not much more than 251.5 meters. Maybe 253 meters. But there is an absolute limit. I had not dared to land at 253 meters. It is flat and the load is large. I’m guessing it’s like jumping down from the second or third floor, illustrating coach.

Good teamwork

The Norwegian team effort was as usual impeccable, with four jumpers in the top ten. Andreas Stjernen was number seven, Johann André Forfang eight Daniel-Andre Tande nine.

Once again Kenneth Gangnes best of the Norwegians. He led after the first half, but failed to follow up the others.

– There were little things that made that it was not up to today. But all in all I’m very happy. It was good to get confirmation that I have something in skiflygingsgamet to do, he said.

Toten-jumper has fluctuated in a while, but was Friday night back to his “old self” . He is third in the World Cup and took catching up deuce, Severin Freund, who was number ten. Peter Prevc is still superb, although he was “disappointed” and finished fourth.

Tired

About results lately says Gangnes:

– I was aware that it would fluctuate. I’ve been tired, but managed to collect my thoughts.

– What do you think about the future?

– I see that it is possible to jump long ski here. But a lot has to fall to knock over 250 meters. I hope the jury will be chopped tougher than it was today, that it drops us over 240 meters. So get chance decide from there.

– An absolutely fantastic team effort, concluded Stöckl after the race. Rennet in Vikersund Saturday starts at 16:00.