August 22, 2008 – The first four competitions in the ladies’ FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping were carried out in good conditions in Bischofsgrün, Pöhla (both Germany) and Bischofshofen (AUT) from August 10-17. After the first part of the summer series, the oldest female Ski Jumper among the participants, 29-year-old Izumi Yamada (JPN) leads the 2008/09 ranking ahead of the 14 years younger winner of both the German events Magdalena Schnurr (GER). The reigning Junior World Champion Jacqueline Seifriedsberger (AUT) is ranked third currently.

The four-time Cup winner, Anette Sagen (NOR), is ranked 8th after participating in two of the four events so far. Sagen made her comeback with a victory in the first competition in Bischofshofen after a long injury break and only about 20 training jumps.

The ladies Continental Cup series kicked off into the new season in Bischofgrün with a new competitor record, 64 ladies from 13 countries, and continued to impress the crowds on site at each of the four different competitions with high level Ski Jumping performances.

The ladies’ circuit will continue with two events at Lillehammer (NOR) on September 12-13 together with the men’s Continental Cup series.