Riiber Struggles to Prepare for World Championships

World Champion Jarl Magnus Riiber's preparation for the 2024/2025 World Championship season has encountered multiple setbacks. However, the opening World Cup event is still on schedule for him.

Despite the difficulties, the head coach of Nordic Combined, Ivar Stuan, expressed confidence that Riiber will start in Ruka, provided he is fit. "It is really important to be competing from the start of the season as it builds confidence," Stuan stated.

Riiber has had a tough time since the end of last season, undergoing knee surgery. In mid-October, Stuan reported that a painful wisdom tooth caused complications for the champion. "He has had a lot of trouble with a wisdom tooth, which was extracted a few weeks ago, and since then it has been very painful and troublesome," he said.

Now, however, Riiber appears to be in good shape. Stuan noted that he has been largely healthy since May and has laid down a strong training foundation, which should help him overcome the current challenges. The coach emphasized the importance of starting strong in Ruka, highlighting that the competition there will be crucial if Riiber aims to maintain his top position in the World Cup overall.

In his career, Riiber has achieved five overall World Cup titles and eight golds along with three silvers at the World Championships. The upcoming events will determine if he can continue his success despite the hurdles faced during his preparation.