Strict suit compliance and key winter sports events highlight December 31 at Vierschanzentournee

The Vierschanzentournee ski jumping event in Oberstdorf saw stringent enforcement of suit regulations that notably affected athlete standings. Timi Zajc was disqualified after his suit was found three millimeters too long on the leg, which caused him to lose second place to Felix Hoffmann, who consequently moved up to third. The material controller for the International Ski Federation (FIS), Mathias Hafele, has intensified checks ensuring the suits' length and fit are strictly within the permissible range—typically two to four centimeters larger than the jumper's body at specific points, including arm and leg measurements. Additionally, suits must have an air permeability of at least 40 liters per square meter per second, and ski dimensions are also carefully regulated to maintain fair competition.

On December 31, winter sports dominated the schedule across Germany. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the qualification for the traditional New Year's ski jump (Neujahrsspringen) took place, featuring tour leader Domen Prevc alongside German competitors Felix Hoffmann and Philipp Raimund. Earlier in the day, the Tour de Ski continued in Toblach with Coletta Rydzek poised in third overall, preparing for the women's 5 km mass start race. The men's mass start race began at 11:30 AM, showcasing top talents like Norwegian Johannes Hösflot Kläbo.

These developments underscore the rigorous regulatory environment in competitive ski jumping and the vibrant winter sports atmosphere in Germany as 2025 closes in a celebration of athleticism and precision.