Riiber's Remarkable Leap Gives Him an Unmatched Edge

Jarl Magnus Riiber, the shining star of Nordic combined skiing, continues to assert his dominance this World Cup season. He notched up his seventh victory of the winter in Schonach on Saturday, showcasing his exceptional skills with a stunning jump of 108 meters. This impressive feat allowed him to start the cross-country phase with a comfortable lead.

His closest rival, Austria's Thomas Rettenegger, struggled to close the nine-second gap that set him apart from Riiber. Meanwhile, Norwegian skier Jørgen Graabak secured the third position, speeding past Finnish competitor Eero Hirvonen and Estonian Kristjan Ilves. Jens Lurås Oftebro finished ninth, while his fellow Norwegians, Espen Bjørnstad and Simen Tiller, ranked lower in the standings.

Adding to Riiber's advantage, notable contender Johannes Lamparter was sidelined due to illness, further paving the way for Riiber to expand his lead in the World Cup standings. This season has been a challenging one in Schonach, where athletes trained on roller skis due to a lack of snow. Despite these obstacles, the Norwegian team has excelled, clinching 14 of the 16 World Cup races held so far.

Riiber’s remarkable jump, just three meters short of the hill record, underscores his outstanding form this season.