Ahead of the season opener Markus Eisenbichler (26) explains before the season opener in Wisla why he likes to be treated as an outsider. In addition, he looks to the upcoming winter.

Four Hills: Markus, how was the summer? How was the preparation for you?

 

For me it was actually quite good. It was good for me to train a lot after my job commitments. I was traveling a lot and was a bit tired before the Summer Grand Prix. Therefore, it was very good that we still had the training course in Spain. It was just right to recharge the batteries. But now I'm just extremely motivated for the winter.

 

What did you focus on this winter?

 

Of course, my focus is on the major events. But of course on every single jumps as well. I need to look for my optimum. Currently I’m physically not quite there, where I would like to be. But life is not a picnic. I'm just trying to keep on training, keep on working, being prepared for 100 percent at the major events. Personally, I'm really looking forward to the Ski Flying World Championship in my own country, in Oberstdorf. That's the big highlight for me. And then, of course, the Four Hills Tournament and the Olympic Games are just around the corner. But it's always the same thing. I just have to make sure I jump well.

 

The first major event, as always, is the Four Hills Tournament. You say that you aren’t quite at 100 percent yet. How do you want to reach your top form until the Four Hills?

 

Actually, it's not that difficult. You just have to stay calm, always build on the points that you have set yourself and do not expire in a hurry. That’s the way I did last season and it worked well. I don’t know if it will work the same as well. But I hope so, of course. But I don’t stress myself. I do this sport because I love it and I’m glad that I can even compete in the big events.

 

At the Four Hills 2016/17 there was already one victory - even if it was only the qualification day. Do you think that you are able to compete for the podium this time?

 

Of course! It would be pretty cool to stand on the podium. Last time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen I was very happy because I jumped really well. I messed up the first jump a bit but the second one was ok and then in the end three athletes jumped better than I did. You just have to accept that. But nevertheless I will to try to attack again this year, because the hill here suits me well. The hill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of my favourite hills. But it can also go bad quickly. I just need to stay relaxed.

 

In Bischofshofen you defeated Andreas Wellinger in the knockout duel, after you skipped the qualification. Now the qualification has been revolutionized and all jumpers have to compete. Do you prefer the new mode or would you rather have left everything as it was?

 

I don’t really care about it personally. That's what others have to decide. At that time in Bischofshofen I was very pleased because I was extremely ill on the qualification day. That's why the former mode helped me a lot. But now it is just like that and you have to accept that.

 

Of course, that were two special moments that you created last year. But what was the absolute highlight for you during the last years at the Four Hills Tournament?

 

That was last year in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Jumping last at the New Year’s Skijumping Event in the first round was a personal highlight for me. The stadium was full of people and everyone cheered me on. That impressed me personally a lot.

 

What do you think in such a moment?

 

Not really much. I'm just happy about the enthusiasm of the crowd. But I don’t think much at such moments. I’m just happy that I’m able to do this sport. If you are still in good shape and can offer the spectators a good show, then that's just cool.

 

During the last edition you became the one the Germans pinned their hopes on. Did people underestimate you before the event and what would you say to them before this winter?

 

Nothing else, as usual. To be honest, for me it doesn’t matter what people think. I have to be satisfied with myself. Last season was great for me and I try to keep that up. It's hard to say if it will work again. But basically it's better for me if I'm underestimated. I don’t like it when others expect too much of me.

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