Nordic Combined - Hirner Takes Third Place in World Cup Opener at Lillehammer

Nordic Combined - Hirner Takes Third Place in World Cup Opener at Lillehammer

In the first race of the Nordic Combined World Cup season, Lisa Hirner earned herself a spot on the podium coming in third place. The Steirer secured her position in Lillehammer behind favored Norwegians Ida Marie Hagen and Gyda Westvold Hansen. With a gap of just 6.6 seconds to the second place, her closest competitors were notably behind her.

"I am very proud and very happy! It couldn't be better; this is a wonderful start to the season for me. I had some trouble in the jump yesterday, but I am very proud and very happy with today’s performance," Hirner commented after the race.

She started in second place on the 5 km Nordic course, as the initially leading Norwegian Ingrid Laate was unable to compete due to an injury.

Meanwhile, the German jump winner Maria Gerboth slipped back to fifth place, but Hirner maintained her podium standing during the 5 km race. However, she had to concede distance to the leading Norwegians, particularly Hagen. The second-best Austrian in the event was Claudia Purker, finishing in 13th.