Katharina Althaus (GER) won the first of two women's ski jumping World Cups in Rasnov (ROU) on Friday. Althaus won in good conditions on the HS 97 metres hill in Rasnov ahead of Austria's Eva Pinkelnig and Norway's Eirin Maria Kvandal.

An outstanding jump in the final secured the day's victory for Katharina Althaus after the Oberstdorf skier had been just behind Eva Pinkelnig after the first round. But Althaus' 98.5 metres in the final round was by far the best jump of the day and secured Althaus a comfortable lead of 12.4 points in the final ranking. 

"I am totally happy about this victory, especially the second jump went very well for me. The form fits, I'll try to hit two more jumps like this in tomorrow's competition, then I'll be ready for the World Championships", Katharina Althaus explained.

"Katharina jumped really well today, especially the second jump was very good, the conditions also played a role. A big compliment to Katharina for her performance today", national coach Maxi Mechler was happy about Althaus' victory.

Eva Pinkelnig continues to jump in the yellow bib after her second place and can look at a reassuring cushion of 209 points (1402 / 1193 points) ahead of Katharina Althaus in the overall World Cup. It is not enough to rest, but the lead is extremely good in view of Pinkelnig's form, the Austrian has the biggest success of her career within her grasp.

For Norway's Eirin Maria Kvandal, third place meant the third podium of her career overall after her victory in Ljubno and her third place in Hinzenbach (both in 2021).

Anna Odine Stroem, Ema Klinec and Yuki Ito finished 4th - 6th. 

Michelle Goebel (23rd) from Germany, Liangyao Wang (27.) from China and Josie Johnson (30th) from the USA collected the first World Cup points of their career.

Result Ski Jumping Rasnov Women on Friday
Result Ski Jumping World Cup Women