Gallery: Kristjan Ilves Finishes in Top Ten at Grand Prix, Jumping Form Improved Over Summer

Kristjan Ilves secured a seventh-place finish at the summer Grand Prix event in Bischofshofen, Austria, marking his first competition of the season. The challenging 35-degree heat did not deter the Estonian ski jumper, who felt his jumping form had improved over the summer months.

Despite the intense heat, Ilves focused on testing his jumping technique, which he plans to use during the winter season. He also aimed to get his racing suit ready for the upcoming winter competitions. While his ski jumping performance was satisfactory, Ilves acknowledged that his cross-country skiing was not at its peak, as he had not specifically prepared for it. However, he found the competition itself to be a welcome change.

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Of course, it was deadly heat here – 35 degrees – which did not make competing very comfortable or pleasant. Although I haven't managed a very good jump here yet, it seems that my jumping form has improved over the summer.

The event was won by Norway's Jens Lurås Oftebro, a triple Olympic champion. Oftebro demonstrated his dominance by achieving a long jump and then extending his lead on the roller ski course, finishing 1 minute and 18.3 seconds ahead of his older brother, Einar Lurås Oftebro. Austria's Stefan Rettenegger took third place.

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The main goal for competing in Bischofshofen was testing the jumping form. It was also important to get the racing suit ready, because we will be using the same suit we are jumping in now also in the winter. The cross-country skiing was as usual for summer races. Since I haven't prepared much for it, one gear was missing, but nevertheless, competing offered a good change.