Laurent Muhlethaler Celebrates First Podium Finish in Nordic Combined World Cup

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 25-year-old Laurent Muhlethaler from Jura, France, has secured his first podium finish in the Nordic Combined World Cup, clinching third place at the event held in Schonach, Germany.

On Sunday morning, Muhlethaler impressed with a jump of 101.5 meters, positioning himself favorably for the subsequent 10-kilometer cross-country pursuit. Starting just 13 seconds behind the podium contenders, he navigated the course with dexterity, ultimately achieving third place—the first of his World Cup career.

Austrian star Johannes Lamparter took home the victory, while Jens Luraas Oftebro of Norway finished closely in second, just 1.6 seconds ahead of Muhlethaler. The Frenchman held his ground against formidable competitors, including Oftebro and Julian Schmid, all while tracking the leading Norwegian duo of Lamparter and Mario Seidl. In a dramatic final sprint against Schmid, Muhlethaler miraculously edged out his rival by a mere seven hundredths of a second, rounding off the race with a time just 12.9 seconds behind Lamparter, the event's champion.