Karl Geiger Best German at Ski Flying, New Coach Named for Next Season

Planica, Slovenia – Marius Lindvik of Norway claimed victory at the season-ending ski flying competition in Planica on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a significant era for the German ski jumping team led by outgoing head coach Stefan Horngacher. While Lindvik celebrated a dominant performance, the German squad faced a quiet finale, with Karl Geiger finishing as the top German in eighth place.

The event marked Horngacher’s final competition at the helm of the German team, a role he’s held since 2019. His seven-year tenure saw notable successes, including an Olympic gold medal for Philipp Raimund and World Championship titles, but ultimately ended without securing the elusive Vierschanzentournee victory he and his athletes coveted. The search for his successor is underway, with the team reportedly aware of the identity of the next Bundestrainer, though an official announcement is pending.

Lindvik Dominates in Planica

Lindvik secured the win with impressive jumps of 238.5 and 231 meters, showcasing his skill and consistency on the demanding Planica ski flying hill. Slovenia’s Domen Prevc finished second, continuing a stellar season that saw him win the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, claim two Olympic gold medals, and secure the overall World Cup title, as well as the Ski Flying World Championship. Johann Andre Forfang of Norway rounded out the podium in third place.

Geiger Leads German Effort, But Struggles Continue

Karl Geiger, a mainstay of the German team and a five-time World Champion, was the best performer for Germany in Planica, finishing eighth. Andreas Wellinger followed in eleventh. The result underscores a challenging season for Geiger, who has struggled to replicate his previous form. According to reports from December 10, 2025, Horngacher had already removed Geiger from the World Cup squad due to his inconsistent performances, with Luca Roth taking his place. The coaching staff hopes that time away from competition will allow Geiger to refine his technique alongside trainer Max Mechler.

The situation mirrors the difficulties faced by Andreas Wellinger, who, despite a seventh-place finish in Ruka earlier in the season, has largely underperformed. However, Wellinger retained his spot in the team for Klingenthal, demonstrating a degree of continued faith from the coaching staff.

Horngacher’s Legacy and the Future of German Ski Jumping

Stefan Horngacher took over the German ski jumping program in 2019, inheriting a team with a rich history but facing recent challenges. Unlike his popular predecessor, Werner Schuster, Horngacher adopted a more reserved and analytical approach. He wasn’t afraid to offer public criticism when necessary, demonstrating a willingness to address issues directly. This approach, while different, proved effective in nurturing talent and achieving success.

Under Horngacher’s guidance, the German team secured several significant victories, including Raimund’s Olympic gold in the normal hill event, team World Championship golds in 2021, and Karl Geiger’s ski flying title in 2020. Geiger, Wellinger, and other German jumpers consistently achieved individual World Cup victories during his tenure.

Despite these accomplishments, the Vierschanzentournee remained elusive. “That was always our main focus. That’s what everyone expects,” Horngacher stated, acknowledging the team’s failure to conquer the prestigious tournament.

Other German jumpers similarly competed in Planica. Pius Paschke finished 19th, Philipp Raimund landed in 28th, and Felix Hoffmann failed to qualify for the second round.

The German team knows who will be their new head coach, but an official announcement is expected in the coming days from the German Ski Association (DSV). The appointment will be crucial as the team looks to build on Horngacher’s foundation and finally break the Tournee curse.

The upcoming season will be a period of transition for the German ski jumping team, as they adapt to a new coach and strive to regain their competitive edge on the international stage. The team will be looking to build on the successes of the past and address the challenges that remain, aiming for consistent performances and, victory in the events that matter most.