Ruka (FIN): Riiber wins, Schmid secures Tour title

Jarl Magnus Riiber is the winner of todays final Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup event in Ruka, while Julian Schmid claimed the overall Opening Tour title.

Jarl Magnus Riiber was in the lead after the Mass Start race at the final day of the Ruka Opening Tour 2022/23.

The first ever Mass Start race in Ruka (FIN) was opened this noon with the traditional starting gun.

All athletes, led by the top 3 of the Overall World Cup, went together in the 10 km course.

Due to the short time gaps, there were continuous changes in lead at the front of the field. German Julian Schmid in the yellow bib kept the lead of the large group after until 1.2 km, but was overtaken by his team mate Vinzenz Geiger at the 2.5 km mark. 
At this point, 13 athletes were within the first 5 seconds and the race pace was correspondingly slow.

The whole group stayed together for most of the race, with changing leaders consisting of Jens Luraas Oftebro, Geiger and local hero Eero Hirvonen, who caused big cheers from the crowd as he reached the stadium lapping as a leader after 7.5km.

On the final lap the general tactics were ended by Jarl Magnus Riiber, who picked up speed on the last climb, closely followed by Norwegian teammate Oftebro. They also reached the finish line in that order, Oftebro just 0.8 sec behind Riiber.

Third place after the 10 km race went to Johannes Rydzek (+3.1 sec) from Germany.

With 21 athletes reaching the finish within 10 seconds, a tight fight for the podium could be expected at the following Ski Jumping competition.

In winterly conditions at the Rukatunturi HS 142 Jarl Magnus Riiber was the winner was once again in the end. 
The Norwegian jumped to 145 meters, securing his 51st World Cup victory. 
The second place went to Matteo Baud from France, with 145 meters as well, reaching the first World Cup podium of his career. 
Third place went to Japanese Ryota Yamamoto with 140.5 meters. 
The furthest distance of the day was reached by Mario Seidl from Austria with 147 meters.

Meanwhile, Julian Schmid, who ended the competition on 4th place, defended his overall lead in the Ruka Opening Tour and secured the title for the first time, ahead of Riiber and Yamamoto.

Results: MS Men HS142/10km CC – 27.11.22
Overall Results: MS Men HS142/10km – 27.11.22