USA Nordic Previews Oberstdorf & Hinzenbach World Cups

The FIS World Cup circuit continues this weekend for Men’s and Women’s Ski Jumping, with athletes competing from February 22-25. Women’s Ski Jumping will compete in two World Cups in Hinzenbach, Austria, with Men’s Ski Jumping competing in three Ski Flying World Cups in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Athletes Competing in World Cup Circuit

• Men’s Ski Jumping – Oberstdorf, Germany: Casey Larson, Erik Belshaw, Kevin Bickner, Tate Frantz
• Women’s Ski Jumping – Hinzenbach, Austria: Annika Belshaw, Estella Hassrick, Josie Johnson, Paige Jones, Sam Macuga, Sandra Sproch

Men’s Ski Jumping Preview

Casey Larson, Erik Belshaw, Kevin Bickner and Tate Frantz will compete for the United States at the Men’s Ski Flying World Cup events in Oberstdorf, Germany. Larson, Belshaw and Frantz most recently competed at the Ski Jumping World Cup events in Sapporo, Japan, last weekend. During the Individual HS137 World Cup on Saturday, February 17th, Belshaw was able to jump to 122.0 meters for 100.4 points in the first round, qualifying for the final round of competition, with Larson ending his day in 47th. In the final round, Belshaw was able to go 116.5 meters for 103.2 points, placing 26th overall for his third individual World Cup points of the season. The final Individual HS137 World Cup of the weekend came on Sunday, February 18th. In the first round, Belshaw went 118.5 meters for 98.2 points, with Frantz going 118.0 meters for 97.7 points, as both athletes were able to qualify for the final round. Larson ended his day in 41st place, after putting together a 111.0 meter jump for 80.6 points. Frantz was able to best his jump from the first round, going 122.5 meters for 104.9 points, landing him in 23rd place and scoring his third individual World Cup points of the season. Belshaw was close behind, jumping to 116.0 meters for 94.5 points, as he placed 27th overall. Bickner last competed in the Ski Jumping World Cup events in Lake Placid, New York, where he finished 43rd overall in both Individual HS128 World Cup events.

Women’s Ski Jumping Preview

Annika Belshaw, Estella Hassrick, Josie Johnson, Paige Jones, Sam Macuga and Sandra Sproch will represent the United States at the Women’s Ski Jumping World Cup events in Hinzenbach, Austria. Estella Hassrick and Sandra Sproch will be making their World Cup debuts for Women’s Ski Jumping this weekend. This season, Hassrick represented the United States at the Youth Olympic Games and FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships, with Sproch representing the United States at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships as well. Johnson last competed at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships, where she finished 11th in the Individual HS102 event, along with placing 9th in the Women’s Team HS102 and 5th in the Mixed Team HS102 events. Belshaw, Jones and Macuga last competed at the World Cup events in Willingen, Germany, from February 2-4. During the Individual HS147 World Cup on February 3rd, Belshaw jumped to 112.5 meters for 59.3 points in the first round, as she was able to advance to the final round. Jones placed 32nd and Macuga placed 33rd, as they ended their day after the first round. Belshaw then jumped to 99.5 meters for 40.6 points in the second round, as she finished 20th overall and recorded her highest individual World Cup finish of the season. The final event in Willingen was held on February 4th, as Jones finished her day after the first round, placing 32nd overall. Belshaw and Macuga were able to advance to the final round, with Belshaw going 122.5 meters for 70.6 points and Macuga putting together a 104.5 meter jump for 36.6 points. In the final round, Belshaw went 103.5 meters for 33.4 points, giving her 104.0 total points and a 26th place finish. Macuga finished 29th overall, as she went 106.0 meters for 35.2 points, giving her 71.8 total points on the day and her first-ever individual World Cup points.