German coach Werner Schuster has backed Janne Ahonen to impress on his return to the World Cup this weekend.
The Finn, twice winner of the World Cup and the all-time leading points scorer in the season-long series, retired in 2008 but announced his return to competition in March.
Ahonen starts his comeback on home snow in Kuusamo as he targets a return to top form in time for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Schuster said. “For years he was the figurehead in ski jumping and had the greatest stability of all the top jumpers.
“It would surprise me if he does not finish in the top ten overall this season.”
But the Austrian cannot see the 32-year-old overcoming the younger brigade led by defending World Cup champion Gregor Schlierenzauer.
Schuster added: “The extent to which Schlierenzauer will dominate remains to be seen. Ahonen will be very good but he will not take the title.”
And one of Schuster’s charges, Martin Schmitt, is also not underestimating the five-time winner of the Four Hills Tournament.
“He has kept himself fit and brings the technical quality that made him one of the world leaders in recent years. Since he has that ability, he should quickly be in contention,” he commented.
Ski Jumping World Cup HS 142 Kuusamo:
Qualifying – Thursday 5pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player
Team – Friday 4pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player
Individual – Saturday 2pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player
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