Sommerfeldt storms to first COC win in icy Ruka opener

Germany’s Tristan Sommerfeldt captured his first Continental Cup victory in the 2025–26 Nordic Combined season opener in Ruka (FIN). After starting the 10 km cross‑country race 32 seconds behind the leader in freezing conditions, the 20‑year‑old powered to the front and held on to win.

The day began on the Rukatunturi HS142 hill, where Norway’s Alvin Le led the ski jumping phase with a 137 m effort worth 146.0 points. Czech athlete Lukas Dolezal was second (130 m, 142.7 pts), and Austria’s Christian Deuschl third (132 m, 142.1 pts). With 11 athletes starting the Gundersen race within a minute, a tight battle for the podium was expected.

On the tracks, Le could not defend his advantage and slipped to 11th. Sommerfeldt, fifth after jumping, used a dominant cross‑country leg to take the lead and claim a maiden COC win. Austria’s Lukas Greiderer climbed from 10th after the jump to finish second, 11.6 seconds behind, while Dolezal limited losses to secure third and his first COC podium.

“It's amazing—my first Continental Cup victory, and that’s a pretty good way to start the season,” Sommerfeldt said, adding that despite the cold he was eager for another chance the following day. With strong form in both jumping and skiing, he looks a name to watch as the Ruka COC weekend continues.