Can ‘King’ Kobayashi succeed in Sapporo, or will Prevc prevail?
Jan 14, 2026·Ski Jumping)
Olympic champion Ryoyu Kobayashi and rapidly improving team-mate Ren Nikaido return to Japan’s line-up for their home World Cup and will be joined by legendary figure Noriaki Kasai in a 10-strong host nation Sapporo squad.
Nikaido, who is currently enjoying the best form of his career, has been busy during his week away from competition, confirming on social media that he and partner had registered their marriage.
Kobayashi meanwhile, who won both of contests on the Okurayama Large Hill during the 2024/25 campaign, also skipped the Zakopane (POL) last week, allowing himself greater training and preparation time back in his homeland.
He was not the only elite performers to make that decision, with just four of the top-10 ranked athletes in the overall race for the Crystal Globe standings making the trip to Poland.
The majority of the best ski jumpers on the planet, including World Cup leader Domen Prevc (SLO) and 2024/25 Crystal Globe winner Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) have joined up in Japan though.
They are set to contest two individual World Cup events between 16-18 January.
Anze Lanisek, who topped the podium in Poland, is one noticeable absentee, with the Slovenian opting to spend the time perfecting his preparations for the Ski Flying World Championships in Oberstdorf (GER) from 22-25 January.
52-year-old Kasai has only contested second-tier Continental Cup events to date during the current campaign, but will return to the World Cup line-up for the first time since the event in Sapporo last season, where he placed 45th.
He has currently made a world record 579 World Cup appearances and has previously spoken about his desire to achieve 600 before retiring.
Prevc had been looking to achieve a record-equalling 13th consecutive World Cup top-three result, but finished a shock 27th in Zakopane.
He was though still able to extend his lead, by four points, at the top of the overall Crystal Globe race standings, with Kobayashi and Nikaido missing the event.
The Slovenian will be keen to return to medal-winning ways on a hill he has triumphed from previously, back in February 2024.
While Slovenia, through Prevc and Lanisek, have been strong throughout the season Norway have endured one of their most challenging campaigns in recent memories. That could be about to change though, based on encouraging performances in Zakopane.
Marius Lindvik placed fourth, Johann Forfang was sixth and Benjamin Oestovold ranked eighth.
“There was great joy in the Norwegian camp after Sunday’s competition,” says Sports Director Jan-Erik Aalbu.
“The results gave a clear boost both athletically and mentally. With increased security and renewed self-confidence, there is strong belief that the upturn can continue in Sapporo.”
Another feeling optimistic about their prospects is Maciej Kot (POL) who secured one of his two career World Cup victories in Sapporo during the 2016-2017 campaign.
The 34-year-old PyeongChang 2018 Olympic bronze medalist finished 17th and 18th across his last two events and is happy with recent progress.
“Right now, my base level is stable and the result in Zakopane was acceptable,” he says.
“Obviously, it (Sapporo) is very demanding in terms of logistics, physical preparation and planning and it’s definitely exhausting for the body, but I like Japan and Okurayama.
Kot continues; “It can be unpredictable, but I think it’s a good place for me to take that step forward. I have to go with a positive attitude so I have energy for the competition.”
FIS SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP – SAPPORO (JPN) SCHEDULE
16.01.2026
14:00 – Training – Men’s LH
16:00 – Start Qualification – QUA Men’s LH
17.01.2026
14:00 – Start Trial Round – Men’s LH
15:15 – Competition Start – Men’s LH
18.01.2026
09:30 – Start Qualification – QUA Men’s LH
11:00 – Competition Start – Men’s LH
All times listed in DST and are subject to change.
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