Dawid Kubacki, Kamil Stoch and Piotr Żyła perfected the flight phase in Oberhof. It’s time to start the Summer Grand Prix

“We’ve had a really successful grouping. Why Oberhof? We were here a year ago and had a productive week. Athletes like this facility, it’s a large, old-style hill. It’s a volatile object, so we focused a lot on the flight phase this week – said coach Thomas Thurnbichler quoted on the website of the Polish Ski Association.

As he admitted, the weather caused some problems for the team.

We had some difficulties with the wind. We know it can happen in Oberhof, but for us it’s also part of the training. In winter, we often experience uneven conditions, especially in Scandinavia or Willingen. The players have to cope with such conditions – explained the Austrian coach.

Thurnbichler confirmed that the first important test for his team will be the competition in Szczyrk, which will take place on the first weekend of August as part of the Summer Grand Prix 2023.

The past week was devoted to training on the hill, while in the next two we will focus more on physical activities. It will be a mix of solid strength training with the addition of jumps to keep up the rhythm. All this in order to join the Summer Grand Prix in Szczyrk with fresh and strong legs – noted the trainer.

The Austrian added that some members of the A team will take part in the inauguration of the Grand Prix cycle in French Courchevel on the last weekend of July.

– I think we will see jumpers from the A team there, but there will also be players from the B team and the base groups. In the coming days we will discuss with the rest of the coaches and decide who will go to France. We will send a strong team there,” Thurnbichler announced. (PAP)