Stephan Embacher is delighted with his first victory. © APA/afp / TROND R TEIGEN

A Tyrolean flies to his first World Cup victory

Stephan Embacher celebrated his first World Cup victory on the ski flying hill in Vikersund.

March 21, 2026

From: apa

The 20-year-old Tyrolean prevailed on Saturday after jumps of 232 and 225 meters, finishing 12,3 points ahead of Japan's Tomofumi Naito. Norwegian local favorite Johann Andre Forfang took third place. The previous ski flying champion, Domen Prevc, finished only fifth. With his victory, Embacher also took over the lead in the Ski Flying World Cup standings.

Giovanni Bresadola, the only Italian in the field, landed at 208,5 and 191,0 meters, ultimately finishing in 29th place. Another competition is scheduled for Sunday (5:15 p.m.) in Vikersund. The season finale will take place in Planica next weekend.

Tyrolean entered the competition weakened

"It's unbelievable. When I woke up this morning, I didn't think about it at all. I didn't expect all three jumps to work out," Embacher said. ORF-Interview. He went into the competition weakened. The Olympic team champion was suffering from stomach problems, so energy conservation was key. This wasn't apparent in his performance. Embacher landed at 232 meters as the penultimate jumper in the first round and took first place. Prevc couldn't respond. The Slovenian was 13,4 points behind the Austrian after the first jump. Forfang slotted in between them.

Stephan Embacher has won his first World Cup race. © APA/afp / TROND R TEIGEN

It worked out: Embacher didn't have to worry in the second round. After Kraft, Schuster, and Ortner each improved their jumps, Prevc couldn't mount a serious challenge. The overall World Cup winner landed at only 218,5 meters and was clearly frustrated. Forfang also failed to beat Japan's Naito. Embacher showed no nerves despite the shifting winds. On Sunday, he'll be the one being chased in the second jump. He now leads Prevc by 15 points in the Ski Flying World Cup standings. "It will be exciting to be sitting at the top last tomorrow. Leading the overall standings at this level is something very special," said Embacher.