Kvandal claims wind-impacted Vikersund victory

Olympic medalist Eirin Maria Kvandal (NOR) delighted home fans by claiming the ‘Vikersund double’ following a second World Cup victory in as many days on her home hill.

The Norwegian, who fought back to top the podium in Saturday’s contest, also won at the Vikersundbakken venue in 2024 and led after the opening round of Sunday’s competition.

The 24-year-old held an advantage of just 4.1 points from Crystal Globe winner Nika Prevc (SLO), who was looking to recover from a challenging second round on Saturday where she slipped from first to third.

However, by the time half of the field had leapt from the hill for a second time it became clear that the variable wind conditions were heavily impacting the fairness of the competition.

After an initial 10-minute delay and further deliberations by the race officials, it was ultimately decided to abandon the second round and award positions based on scores attained in the opener.

Kvandal topped the standings, following a personal best jump of 231.5m, which attained 236.2 points, with Prevc (220.5m / 232.1pts) second.

Norway’s Anna Odine Stroem (215m / 223.2pts), winner of the Normal Hill and Large Hill Olympic Winter Games titles at Milano Cortina 2026, placed third.

“I fully support the decision,” stated FIS Ski Jumping Race Director Sandro Pertile.

“It was more and more difficult (as time progressed) and we don’t need to take extra risks; we had a fantastic first round and we have one more competition in Planica next weekend.”

Building off her first World Cup podium finish since 2022 on Saturday, Frida Westman (SWE) topped the standings following the early morning qualification.

The Swedish ski jumper has been recovering from a long-term knee injury this campaign and secured a shock fourth-place-finish in the women’s Large Hill event at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games last month.

She gave further evidence of her undoubted ability, as well as her potential to become a regular World Cup top-three contender, with another impressive display, ranking fourth.

The top 15 ranked female athletes from the 2025/26 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup campaign will return for the season finale in Planica (SLO), which will host women’s ski flying for the first time in history.

VIKERSUND SCHEDULE

Sunday, 22 March:
15.45 - Men's Qualification
17.15 - Men's Ski Flying World Cup

*All times are displayed in Central European Time (CET) and are subject to change.