On the first day of competition in Hinterzarten, Japanese Sara Takanashi came in second behind Sarah Hendrickson of the USA, today those two athletes changed positions: Sara Takanashi won ahead of Sarah Hendrickson and Jacqueline Seifriedsberger from Austria.
"It's a special day for me today because it's my father's birthday. I wanted to dedicate this win to him as a present", today's winner, Sara Takanashi, said. "Usually I'm not doing very well on that hill in Hinterzarten but I'm getting better and better and my second jump today was really good." With 98 m in the first round, from one gate lower than the other athletes, she was third. In the final she showed the longest jump of the day with 105 m. With 247.5 points Takanashi moved up to the top of the podium and celebrated her fourth win this season.
The winner of yesterday's competition, Sarah Hendrickson from the USA, came in second. After 103 m in the first round she defended her second place with 101.5 m in the second round (245.9 points) and was happy about her good results this weekend. "I love this hill in Hinterzarten and I really enjoy being in the Black Forest. There were many jumps over 100 m today, but that's what the spectators want to see."
After the fall of her teammate Daniela Iraschko at the first competition, Jacqueline Seifriedsberger was the only Austrian jumper today and with her third place she achieved another podium result for the team and for herself. "I'm very satisfied with the competition and my performance, especially because I had two good jumps over 100 m", Seifriedsberger said, who was in the lead after the first round (103 m and 102.5 m; 244.5 points).
Once again athletes of eight different nations were among the Top 10 today. The spectators saw strong jumps and performances, not only of he best three jumpers, but also of Anette Sagen (NOR), Evelyn Insam (ITA), Coline Mattel (FRA), the two Slovenes Spela Rogelj and Katja Pozun, Carina Vogt (GER) and Lindsey Van (USA). The Slovenian team also attracted some attention with a good team performance and long jumps. Carina Vogt as ninth was once again the best German athlete. Her teammate Katharina Althaus could not take part in the competition due to health problems.
First highlight getting closer with the Junior World Championships
Today's result changed nothing in the overall World Cup ranking. Sara Takanashi remains in the lead with 670 points, ahead of Sarah Hendrickson (501 points) and Coline Mattel (448 points). For the athletes Hinterzarten was the final stop before the first highlight of the winter: The trip now goes to Liberec (CZE) where the Junior World Championships will be held in the upcoming week. All other jumpers will use the break to get prepared for the World Cup competitions in Japan.