Oslo Ski Jumping: Weather Threat & Stoch’s Farewell Looms

Oslo, Norway is bracing for potentially challenging conditions as the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup prepares to continue, with strong winds and heavy rain threatening to disrupt the schedule. The Polish team, fielding a six-man contingent including veteran Kamil Stoch, is monitoring the situation closely as forecasts paint an increasingly uncertain picture.

The Polish squad consists of Maciej Kot, Kamil Stoch, Kacper Tomasiak, Paweł Wąsek, Piotr Żyła and Aleksander Zniszczoł. A late roster change saw Zniszczoł replace Dawid Kubacki, a decision stemming from personal matters that team officials have declined to elaborate on. “It’s personal matters, we won’t comment further. We agreed it was better for him to stay in the country,” Maciej Maciusiak of Skijumping.pl relayed.

The weather is the primary concern. Piotr Majchrzak, PZN’s communications manager, reported via X (formerly Twitter) that wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h are being recorded in Oslo, with SMS alerts warning of difficult conditions. “One of our Polish photographers living in Oslo says the wind is over 90 km/h and messages are starting to arrive in via SMS. Based on his experience, it will be tough to jump tomorrow and Saturday,” Majchrzak stated.

Friday’s schedule, including official training and qualification rounds, is particularly vulnerable. While the forecast suggests a potential improvement in conditions later in the afternoon, intense rainfall is currently predicted alongside the strong winds. The competition represents one of the final stages of the 2025/2026 World Cup season, with subsequent events planned for Vikersund (March 21-22) and Planica (March 27-29). Planica will serve as the backdrop for what is expected to be Kamil Stoch’s final competitive ski jumps, marking the end of a distinguished career.

Currently, Stoch sits 28th in the overall World Cup standings. Kacper Tomasiak leads the Polish contingent in 17th place, while Piotr Żyła is 30th. Maciej Kot holds 40th position, with Dawid Kubacki and Paweł Wąsek tied for 41st. Aleksander Zniszczoł is 68th, and Klemens Joniak is 69th. Domen Prevc currently leads the overall standings, followed by Ryoyu Kobayashi and Daniel Tschofenig.

The recent Puchar Świata in Engelberg offered a glimpse of form for several Polish jumpers. Kacper Tomasiak achieved his best career result, finishing fifth. Paweł Wąsek placed 13th in the first round, ultimately falling to 16th overall. Kamil Stoch improved from 21st to 18th place across the two rounds, demonstrating consistent performance. Maciej Kot maintained his 27th position throughout the competition.

Stoch himself expressed satisfaction with his performance in Engelberg, acknowledging the ongoing process of refinement. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy because the jump was really good. It’s good function, consistent work. Maybe there isn’t a cake yet, just candles. We’re slowly baking that cake,” he joked to Eurosport. He further emphasized his focus on enjoying the experience, stating, “I realized I did everything I could, and I want to enjoy these jumps.”

The performance of Maciej Kot has also been a point of interest. Recent displays suggest a potential return to form for the 32-year-aged, leading Stoch to comment, “I wouldn’t be surprised by Maciek.” This sentiment echoes a growing belief that Kot is regaining the consistency that defined his earlier career.

Meanwhile, the situation in Wisła saw five Polish athletes failing to qualify for the Saturday competition, including the 38-year-old Stoch, who has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season. Maciej Kot, Dawid Kubacki, Kacper Tomasiak, Paweł Wąsek, and Piotr Żyła did qualify and will compete.

As the World Cup season nears its conclusion, the focus remains on navigating the challenging conditions in Oslo and providing a fitting send-off for Kamil Stoch in Planica. The Polish team will be hoping for favorable weather and strong performances as they aim to finish the season on a high note.