Geiger Triumphs in Lillehammer Ahead of Schmid

Geiger Triumphs in Lillehammer Ahead of Schmid

Originally published in Sport1 on December 08, 2024

Geiger Triumphs in Lillehammer Ahead of Schmid

In a stunning display of talent and perseverance, Vinzenz Geiger led the German Nordic combined team with a victory at the fifth race of the season held in Lillehammer. His performance was characterized by a dramatic sprint finish against his Calder teammate Julian Schmid, securing a satisfying victory ahead of Norway's celebrated athlete, Jarl Magnus Riiber.

Geiger, the Olympics winner from Beijing, capitalized on his moment and finished ahead with a photo finish in a "compact" competition that included one jump followed by 7.5 km on the ski track. This victory was significant as it marked the third win for the strong German team this season, emphasizing their resurgence in the Nordic combined events after struggling in previous seasons.

Continued Success of the German Team

The German duo of Geiger and Schmid showcased their remarkable skills as they successfully navigated tough competition, leaving Riiber trailing by 1.9 seconds at the finish line. Manuel Faißt from Baiersbronn also contributed to the team's success despite finishing in eighth place, while Johannes Rydzek improved from his starting position to finish eleventh.

The results from Lillehammer reflect a promising trajectory with the German team now boasting ten podium placements in total. This contrasts sharply with their performance in the 2023/24 season, where they managed only four podium finishes throughout.