For the first time in 25 years, this year's Four Hills Tournament will take place without old master Noriaki Kasai. Due to lack of form, the 47-year-old Japanese rider was not nominated for the jumping competitions in Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen.

For the Japanese ski jumping legend, it is the first time in 28 years that he will not be on the tour for sporting reasons. In the 1994/1995 season he had to take a year off due to injury. The "Ski Jumping Oldie"; has not yet got into shape in the season so far and is still without World Cup points. So far he has only been able to qualify for the competition twice and missed the final round in each case. In addition, there is a strong development in the Japanese team. Besides titleholder Ryoyu Kobayashi, Yukia Sato also celebrated his first World Cup victory. And also in the Continental Cup, two Japanese, Taku Takeuchi and Keiichi Sato, who are to be given a chance on the tour, were convincing.

„It was a hard fight for me";, Kasai is quoted by skispringen. com, who is already back in his home country. „ My feeling on the redoubt is wrong. I have not yet found the right approach position. But physically, I'm fine and I'm not giving up.“ A career end is therefore not yet an option for the legend and a return to tour next year is also conceivable. The organizers of the Four Hills Tournament also regret the fact that the most loyal ski jumping face will not be competing for the Golden Eagle this year. „ For the Four Hills Tour audience it is of course a great pity that Noriaki Kasai will not be there. He was always one of the favorites at all four locations. But knowing him as I do, he will not give up and try to be back next season. We hope to see you again soon!";, says the former president of the Four Hills Tournament and president of the New Year's Ski Jumping Michael Maurer.

Picture: imago