Setback for Germany’s Nordic combined star Vinzenz Geiger: ligament avulsions sideline him for season start

German Nordic combined ace Vinzenz Geiger has suffered a significant injury setback shortly before the Olympic season. During a strength-training session, the 28-year-old from Oberstdorf sustained three bony ligament avulsions in his right foot. As a result, he will miss the first stops of the World Cup season.

“It was unlucky timing. But I’m already in rehab and hope to be back on the start line as soon as possible,” Geiger said.

National head coach Eric Frenzel emphasized that the injury should not keep Geiger out long-term: “The good thing is that it’s nothing that will drag on. The injury should heal well now, and afterwards he can get back into things fairly quickly. We don’t want to rush it.”

According to the German Ski Association, Geiger will skip the opening World Cup weekends in Kuusamo (November 29–December 1) and Lillehammer (December 7–8). The Olympic Winter Games are scheduled for February 6–22. Following the retirement of Norway’s Jarl Magnus Riiber, Geiger had been viewed as the preseason favorite for the new campaign.