– There are people who have tried to buy it at a low price. But when it is sent, it disappears in the post, says Marius Lindvik to news. The Norwegian jumpers do not know whether the Germans have an advantage or not. But one thing is certain: Germany uses a binding of its own, and no one else knows what is hidden in it. – I don’t know what the matter is, but I don’t think the Germans want either us or the rest of the world to get hold of it, says Lindvik. – You don’t know exactly what is under the hood. But it is obviously good because they all swear by it, says Johann André Forfang to news. SPECIAL BINDING: Only the Germans are allowed to use this binding. The rest of the jumpers use a different type. Photo: Brede Bleiklie Thomassen / news Germany’s Andreas Wellinger won Thursday’s qualification in Oberstdorf, but is tight-lipped when asked about the unique binding. – I wouldn’t say that there is anything special about it. We have our own factory in Germany that makes them, which is why only we have it. Was against binding According to Halvor Egner Granerud, Germany has its own binding because they did not allow the Slatnar binding when it came. The one that the rest of the jumping circus uses. – They have made their own binding which is approved for them. But it is quite secret, and I don’t know what it looks like inside, says Granerud to news and continues: – They have now jumped with it and landed on the ball, and jumped with it when it goes far. It’s probably an advantage when the technique works, and then nobody cares when the technique isn’t as good. SLATNAR: Halvor Egner Granerud with the Slatnar binding that the rest of the world uses. Photo: Geir Olsen / NTB But right now the technique is sitting for the Germans. In the World Cup overall, Germany has four athletes in the top ten, and has good opportunities to fight for a long-awaited victory in Hoppuka. The first since Sven Hannawald did it in the 2001/2002 season. – It is a sad story. We have had many years where I thought it would work, but then it doesn’t. It happens every time, but I hope that the team can make it this year, says Sven Hannawald to news. HOPPHELT: Sven Hannawald was the previous German to win Hoppuka. It happened in the 2001/02 season. Here he is in place in Oberstdorf. Photo: Brede Bleiklie Thomassen / news A German victory means everything Hannawald knows all about pressure on the show jumping hill. The former German athlete has Olympic gold, four World Cup golds and has won the Hoppuka. – Everyone is under a lot of pressure, but I see on the German faces that they are calm and smiling. They seem to be in a good place mentally, and that’s a good sign I think. Hopefully they can do it this year, says Hannawald. Among the German favorites are Wellinger, Pius Paschke and Karl Geiger. Geiger is from Oberstdorf and knows what a victory would mean to the German people. SECOND PLACE: Karl Geiger took second place in Thursday’s qualifier at home in Oberstdorf. Photo: KERSTIN JOENSSON / AFP – It is extremely important. Every year we are asked: “When will it happen?” That is the big focus for the team. We are doing everything to manage it, says Geiger to news. But they will have to catch up with athletes such as Stefan Kraft, Ryoyu Kobayashi and Marius Lindvik if the Germans are to secure the golden eagle. – They know that if they make small mistakes, the Germans will be there. We have been waiting for 22 years. Austria has won a lot, Norway has won. Everyone has won after I quit. But no Germans. So we pray that it will happen, and hopefully there will be a German at the top on 6 January, concludes Hannawald. Listen to Friday’s race from Oberstdorf on news Sport from 17:00. WIN: Sven Hannawald after winning the Hoppuka in 2002. Photo: CHRISTOF STACHE / AP
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– It disappears in the mail – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
