Portrait: Michael Hayböck
Portrait: Michael Hayböck
Naturally, the Austrian high-flyer had to win a World-Cup race sooner or later regarding his amazing results during the whole season (9th -5th -5th -3rd -3rd -9th -5th -3rd -3rd-2nd-7th-6th). Finally in Bischofshofen it was his turn to be on the highest step of the podium, or Stockerl, as they call it in Austria.
„For me the [Four-Hills-Tournament] was an unique experience that I won't forget so easily. I'm happy about my 2nd place in the overall and to celebrate my first WC victory in Bischofshofen – I think there's nothing better that could have happened for me.“, says Hayböck.
He derservingly wore the yellow bib until this week, when he had to hand it to his roommate and friend Stefan Kraft, this season's Four-Hills-Tournament winner as the latter won Wisla's competition, while Hayböck came in as 4th. But what real sportsmanship means, that he's not angry or sad about falling back to the 2nd place in the overall table but instead states: „The yellow bib stays in the same room!“ and is happy about his friend's success.
Michael Hayböck, 23, has an Olympic silver medal in the team competition on his account as well as 80 WC starts and 7 individual podiums plus 3 team podiums. He's also national champion on the large hill, which marked the beginning of his absolutely uprising form until today. He and Kraft are currently the best in the Austrian team, leaving Gregor Schlierenzauer on the following places- or worse, as the latter didn't manage to make it into the top 30 in Wisla.
Besides, he won 10 COC races with a total of 20 podiums and also was in top 3 five times in the SGP.
But we're sure, this is not the zenith of his career, it's just the beginning. We're absolutely thrilled about the nice Austrian eagle and look forward to what he'll be capable of in the remaining season. There are plenty of chances to grab back the yellow bib. However, he's also a hot favorite for the Nordic World-Championships in Falun.
Michael Hayböck closes with: „My form is perfect and I'm looking forward to the competitions in Poland, where the fans always are so unbelievable!“
As the qualification in Zakopane was cancelled due to strong winds, we'll see him in the team competition at 17:00. The individual race will take place tomorrow (Sunday) at 13:30, after the qualification, which is scheduled for 12:15.
- by Peggy Kierstan
