Lamparter wins Nordic Combined opener in Ruka

Johannes Lamparter (AUT) launched his bid for a second overall Crystal Globe by winning the Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup season opener in Ruka (FIN), a Compact-format event.

The 2022–23 overall champion, who ended last season with back-to-back wins in Lahti, extended his streak to three straight victories and claimed the 18th individual World Cup win of his career. With defending champion Vinzenz Geiger (GER) injured and five‑time overall winner Jarl Magnus Riiber (NOR) retired, the 24‑year‑old Austrian underlined his status as a title favorite.

Jumping on the HS142 Large Hill took place in steady snowfall and variable winds. Thomas Rettenegger (AUT) flew the day’s longest at 138.0 m for 137.9 points to lead into the cross‑country. Lamparter, who had earlier won the rescheduled PCR with 132.5 m, produced 134.5 m (131.7 pts) to start just six seconds behind Rettenegger. Germany’s David Mach posted 133.0 m (131.5 pts), while China’s Jiawen Zhao surprised early with 131.5 m (123.4 pts) to briefly lead; junior double world champion Paul Walcher (AUT) went 130.5 m (123.3 pts).

In the 7.5 km race (three 2.5 km loops), Lamparter caught Rettenegger within the first kilometer, then opened a double‑digit cushion. Behind, a trio of Julian Schmid (GER), David Mach (GER) and Ilkka Herola (FIN) chased, with Herola briefly leading the group on lap two. Schmid proved strongest late, closing on Lamparter on a steep climb but ultimately finishing second. Lamparter crossed first in 17:38.2, 7.7 seconds ahead of Schmid, with Herola third at +17.0 s.

Kristjan Ilves (EST) surged from 11th (+0:40) to fourth, and Jens Luraas Oftebro (NOR) climbed from 16th (+0:50) to fifth. Rettenegger slipped to seventh (+34.5 s), Mach to 12th, and Zhao to 48th (+2:00+).

Quotes

• Johannes Lamparter (AUT): “It was a perfect Friday for me… I’ve been really motivated and working professionally all summer. I’m happy with the start – it was perfect.”

• Julian Schmid (GER): “The conditions were tough… I tried to catch Johannes but he was really strong in the last 300 meters. I’m very happy with second place.”

• Ilkka Herola (FIN): “I’ve struggled here for over 10 years… today everything worked quite well. It felt great, even if Julian was a bit rude to me in the cross‑country part!”

The opener was the first of three events on the Ruka weekend, with an individual Gundersen on Saturday and a Mass Start on Sunday.

Full results are available via FIS: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=NK&raceid=3474