Rydzek wins thrilling Gundersen in Chaux‑Neuve

Johannes Rydzek claimed victory in the men’s Individual Gundersen at the second stop of the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix in Chaux‑Neuve, France, showcasing both top form and the venue’s renowned atmosphere.

Jumping took place at noon on the La Côté Feuillée HS118 hill in light rain. Austria’s Florian Kolb jumped the day’s farthest at 117.5 m for 121.1 points to win the Ski Jumping portion and start first into the 10 km roller ski race. Germany’s Johannes Rydzek followed after a 116.5 m jump (120.6 pts), just 2 seconds back, with teammate Richard Stenzel—winner of the morning PCR—jumping 115 m (120.2 pts) and starting 4 seconds behind the leader.

With time gaps minimal, the race quickly formed a three‑man lead group of Kolb, Rydzek and Stenzel. The chasers—Laurent Muhlethaler, Marco Heinis and Jiri Konvalinka—trailed by around 28 seconds midway and could not close the distance.

On the decisive final lap, Rydzek surged clear to take the win. Stenzel secured his first Grand Prix podium in second, 12.9 seconds back, and Kolb earned his first top‑three in third, 20.2 seconds behind.

The victory handed Rydzek the yellow bib as overall Summer Grand Prix leader and marked a rebound after difficulties in Oberstdorf. He noted his improved jumping in Chaux‑Neuve and praised the event’s atmosphere—with flares on the climbs and ringing cowbells—while expressing hope that more top names attend such world‑class competitions.