Opening of Women's season in Lillehammer
Dec 01, 2021·Nordic Combined
The second weekend of the 2021/22 season will take place in Lillehammer (NOR) where four events from the large and normal hill will be held. One Individual Gundersen (HS140) and one team event (HS98) for the men as well as the season opening of the Nordic Combined women with two Individual Gundersen (HS98).
Given the strong performance of the Norwegian athletes in Ruka last weekend, the men to watch are clear: World Cup leader and double-winner from 2019 Magnus Riiber will spearhead the Norwegian efforts on home soil. But also shooting star Jens Lurås Oftebro, who claimed two podium finishes at the season opening in Finland will be one to watch out for.
But surprisingly, Norway is not necessarily the favorite for the mens upcoming team event. Currently, Germany is leading the Nations Cup after celebrating a podium sweep on the 2nd day in Ruka with the maiden World Cup victory of Terence Weber and Eric Frenzel and Vinzenz Geiger on rank two and three. Therefore, Weber is on third position in the overall standings behind Riiber and Lamparter, which is already the next favorites name for the upcoming competitions.
Junior and Senior World Champion Johannes Lamparter from Austria. took the second place in Ruka twice and is therefore also a contender for a podium position in Lillehammer.
At the women's season opening, all eyes will be on Grand Prix winner and World Champion Gyda Westvold Hansen. The Norwegian is considered to be the top favorite this winter.
But also her team mates and the Leinan Lund sisters Marte and Mari will be two athletes to look out for during their home events.
The biggest competition for Norway is likely to come from Japan, in the form of Anju Nakamura, who finished 3rd in the overall ranking last winter.
With Lisa Hirner, Austria nominated another possible candidate for the season opening podium in Lillehammer.
With the Olympic venues of 1994 ready and a punctual onset of winter with snow and sub-zero temperatures, Lillehammer is ready for an exhilarating World Cup opening of the Nordic Combined women.
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