Raimund claims maiden World Cup win after Prevc disqualified

Olympic champion Philipp Raimund (GER) claimed the first World Cup victory of his career after the disqualification of fellow Milano Cortina 2026 gold medalist Domen Prevc (SLO).

Prevc had landed what he thought was winning leap of 129m in the one-jump-contest, which would have seen him become the first man in the history of the sport to achieve seven successive wins on the World Cup tour.

However, during the post-event technical checks it was discovered that his skis were 1cm too long.

While disappointed, Prevc would still be crowned as the Crystal Globe Overall World Cup winner after nearest rival Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN) placed sixth.

The Slovenian had entered the event leading by 761 points, with eight races remaining and 100 points available per-victory.

Whilst Kobayashi cut that advantage to 721 points, ultimately that was not enough and ensured Prevc’s lead was unassailable.

Raimund was the surprise winner of the Normal Hill contest at the Olympic Winter Games last month, but was still seeking a maiden World Cup win.

While it was not the manor he would have hoped to secure the success, the 25-year-old was never-the-less delighted to top the podium with 129.3pts.

“Finally, I’m really, really glad I managed to do it!” Raimund told FIS after his win.

“After the Olympic medal I was still searching for the first win and knew it would be hard, but I like the hill here and I’m really pleased as it was a high-class competition and on a hill where the wind is often challenging.”

2024/25 Crystal Globe winner Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) claimed a morale-boosting second-place (128.6pts) after challenging season, while Vladimir Zografski (BUL) attained the first top-three finish (127.2pts) of his World Cup career.

Prevc, the reigning Olympic, World and Four Hills champion will look to return to winning ways in the men’s second Lahti World Cup contest on Saturday.

“This was not the day I dreamed of,” the Slovenian told FIS after learning of his disqualification. “Unfortunately, I was too light, which means the skis I used were too long.”

2026 LAHTI WORLD CUP SCHEDULE:

Saturday, 7 March:
16:30 – Start Qualification – WC Men’s Large Hill
18:00 – Competition Start – WC Men’s Large Hill

Sunday, 8 March:
15:00 – Start Trial Round – WC Men’s Super Team
16:00 – Competition Start – WC Men’s Super Team

*All times are Eastern European Time (EET) and are subject to changes.