Nordic Combined: Gerboth finishes strong fifth as Norway celebrates double victory

Nordic Combined: Gerboth finishes strong fifth as Norway celebrates double victory

Published: 06.12.2024 15:21

The Nordic Combined athletes had their first World Cup podium of the winter. In a victory for Norwegian athlete Ida Maria Hansen, young talent Maria Gerboth, who won the jumping portion, ultimately secured a strong fifth place. Nathalie Armbruster achieved a remarkable sixth place after a strong recovery effort, while Svenja Würth just edged out her teammate Jenny Nowak, finishing 10th. Cindy Haasch and Ronja Loh rounded out a strong showing for the German team with placements at 18th and 19th, respectively.

Gerboth had a surprising lead following the jumping phase, stating "It’s crazy" and expressed her optimism with the words, "These are my conditions". However, the competition was tight with the second place holder Ingrid Laate only seven seconds behind and Austria's Lisa Hirner just eight seconds off the pace when transitioning to the 5-kilometer cross-country race. Laate withdrew due to a healing hand injury.

Würth had to catch up 19 seconds behind while Ida Marie Hagen faced a 34-second deficit. Ronja Loh, the Junior Mixed World Champion, began the race 39 seconds behind. Jenny Nowak and Nathalie Armbruster started with deficits of 1:30 and 1:31 minutes, respectively. Cindy Haasch had to battle a 2:03-minute disadvantage at the start.

Despite hopes for a coup by Gerboth after her strong performance in the jump, Norway's Ida Maria Hagen quickly took the lead minutes post-start. In a strong display, Hagen completed her fifth consecutive victory while world champion Gyda Westvold Hansen showcased her skill, overtaking Hirner just before the finish. This solidified Norway's double victory despite Austria's strong finish on the podium.