Nordic Combined: Jarl Magnus Riiber Wins First Race After Shocking Retirement Announcement

Jarl Magnus Riiber, one of the world’s best Nordic combined athletes, demonstrated his enduring talent by winning the race in Seefeld. This victory marked his 77th World Cup win and his first race since announcing his retirement after the season—a decision he made in light of his ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease.

“Wonderful!” Riiber exclaimed once his victory was secured, acknowledging that his preparation and strong response to the challenging cross-country part of the event had paid off. He explained that despite the daunting prospect of ending his career, he was able to channel the emotional energy following his announcement into a stellar performance on the snow.

During the race, Riiber outperformed the Austrian competitor Johannes Lamparter, while fellow Norwegian Jens Lurås Oftebro finished third. The emotion of the moment was palpable, with Ida Marie Hagen—who had won the women’s combined race—expressing her sadness at the news of Riiber’s retirement, emphasizing not only his skill on the snow but also the personal loss felt by his friends and competitors alike.

Riiber, who revealed his retirement plans only two days prior, admitted that he experienced an emotional outburst the day after announcing his decision, as supportive messages flooded in. Despite feeling the weight of his health challenges, he described the feeling of the race as a mixture of liberation and bittersweet triumph.

He will complete the season with additional races, his final event scheduled in Lahti. Riiber’s journey, marked by both remarkable triumphs and personal struggles—including a previous serious health episode—resonates deeply within the Nordic combined community, marking the close of an era for one of its brightest stars.