Einar Oftebro Claims First Victory at FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix

In a thrilling competition, Einar Luraas Oftebro emerged as the first individual winner of the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix 2024 held in Tschagguns.

The ski jumping round was marked by unpredictable wind conditions. Estonian Kristjan Ilves set the bar high with a jump of 100 meters at the Montafoner Schanzenzentrum HS103, securing the lead with 134.4 points. This impressive performance allowed him to be the first competitor to start the 10 km city course later in the day.

Following closely in second place was Thomas Rettenegger from Austria, who delivered the longest jump of the day at 103 meters for 130.9 points. He began his race 14 seconds behind Ilves. His teammate, Martin Fritz, finished the jumping round in third place, jumping 98.5 meters for 129.2 points, starting 21 seconds after Ilves.

Ilves initially managed to maintain a lead over his pursuers for 5 kilometers, but soon found himself caught by a group of competitors after 7.5 kilometers. At that point, 11 athletes, spearheaded by Laurent Muhlethaler of France, entered the final lap. The competitors included Fritz (+0.2 seconds), Jens Oftebro (+0.3 seconds), Stefan Rettenegger (+0.4 seconds), Kristjan Ilves (+0.5 seconds), Lukas Greiderer (+0.5 seconds), Einar Oftebro (+0.6 seconds), Thomas Rettenegger (+0.8 seconds), Espen Bjoernstad (+0.8 seconds), Simon Mach (+1.1 seconds), and Pascal Müller (+1.3 seconds)—all within striking distance of victory.

The stage was set for a dramatic finish as the group launched into a fierce sprint down the home straight during the last 2.5 kilometers. In a nail-biting conclusion, Einar Luraas Oftebro clinched his very first summer Grand Prix victory. He finished just 0.3 seconds ahead of his brother Jens, who crossed the line in a photo finish with Ilves, Stefan Rettenegger, Martin Fritz, Muhlethaler, and Müller. Ilves ultimately claimed second place, just 0.4 seconds behind Einar.

With this landmark victory, Einar Luraas Oftebro not only celebrates a personal triumph but also takes the lead in the overall ranking of the series.

SJ Results: Men Individual Gundersen HS103 – 25.8.24, Tschagguns
Overall Results: Men Individual Gundersen HS103/5km – 25.8.24, Tschagguns