Nordic Combined – Geiger Surges Against Riiber to Win

Vinzenz Geiger, one of the top Nordic combined athletes, enhanced his strong form by winning the World Cup race in Otepää, Estonia. Coming off his previous success at the Seefeld Triple, Geiger demonstrated his prowess by leading for most of the race and maintaining an impressive pace in the cross-country part.

Despite having led for most of the competition, it was in the final sprint that Geiger outperformed his long-time rival, Jarl Magnus Riiber. The two giants battled head-to-head on the closing meters of the course, and Geiger’s late surge ultimately secured him the victory.

The race also showcased a remarkable team effort, as two other German athletes—Julian Schmid and Johannes Rydzek—finished just behind, with time deficits of +15.9 and +16.7 seconds respectively. In total, three Germans managed to secure spots among the top six finishers, contributing to a strong overall showing for the DSV team.

This result tightens the overall World Cup standings in the lead-up to the World Championships in Trondheim, with Geiger now in second place on 1114 points, trailing Riiber’s 1195 points. With four races remaining, the battle for the coveted crystal globe remains open, and Geiger is eyeing his first overall victory as a combined competitor.

The race in Otepää was marked by tactical racing during the cross-country segment. Geiger had built up an early lead after the ski jumping phase and maintained a strong position into the loop, but it was Riiber who closed the gap before the final sprint. Ultimately, Geiger’s burst of speed in the closing meters turned the tide in his favor, ensuring a memorable victory in this high-stakes duel.