Nordic combi: comeback by Mario Seidl
Sports
Nordic combined athlete Mario Seidl from St. Veit made a remarkable comeback at the Austrian Championships this weekend. After a CoV infection with a long recovery phase, the Pongauer is now back on the way to the top. The new state champions are Franz-Josef Rehrl and Eva Pinkelnig.
The last few years have not been easy for the two-time World Cup winner anyway, and this summer Mario Seidl was not able to complete his program as desired. On Sunday in Bischofshofen, Seidl celebrated his comeback to competitions and, after a strong jump, finished second in the roller ski race over ten kilometers.
Seidl defends second place on roller skis
Mario Seidl defended this place and took second place behind the outstanding Styrian Franz-Josef Rehrl: “I had a difficult summer with the CoV infection, where I really struggled for two months. I’m happy to be back – a good comeback, I’m very happy.”
Sunday in Bischofshofen didn’t go as planned for Salzburg’s ski jumping team. Stefan Kraft was fourth with two good jumps, but after his title on Saturday on the small hill in Ramsau (Styria), he took a lot of energy with him into a long World Cup winter: “I’m better than in the last summers. I was able to print out great. We still have a little time until the season.”
Rehrl and Pinkelnig new state champions
Styrian Josef Rehrl and Vorarberg native Eva Pinkelnig became double state champions in Nordic combined and ski jumping at the weekend in Bischofshofen (Pongau). The fights took place on special mats in spring-like, warmer temperatures.
After their successes in the normal hill competition on Saturday in Ramsau (Styria), they also hit the large hill competition in Bischofshofen on Sunday.
Fettner new champion on large hill
The men’s title on the large hill went to the Tyrolean Manuel Fettner, the day before the Salzburg Stefan Kraft had triumphed. Fettner secured his second state championship title overall, ahead of Daniel Tschofenig and Michael Hayböck. Pinkelnig prevailed in front of Chiara Kreuzer and Sara Marita Kramer.
Champions celebrate too
Rehrl distanced Mario Seidl – coming back from the expected CoV break – and Johannes Lamparter. Rehrl was convincing on the hill and on roller skis: “I hope that I can transfer the form into the winter.” Fettner about his victory: “A great end to a really successful summer.” Pinkelnig celebrated: “Double state championship title – a super confirmation !“