Seefeld (AUT): Riiber leads Norwegian podium sweep

Jarl Magnus Riiber is also the winner of the second Individual Gundersen competition in Seefeld (AUT).

The Overall World Cup leader was already in front after the Ski Jumping competition on day two of the Seefeld TRIPLE.

Under a blue sky, the Norwegian jumped 109 meters (149.1 pts) in the morning at the Toni-Seelos-Olympiaschanze HS 109 and took the lead. Therefore, he was the first one to start into the 10 km cross-country race this afternoon.

Rank 2 after jumping went to Johannes Lamparter from Austria, who reached the furthest distance of the day with 111 meters (141.5 pts) and went into the course 30 seconds after Riiber.

Thomas Rettenegger (105.5 mts, 140.8 pts) from Austria placed third 33 seconds behind the leader.

With 9 athletes going into the race within the first minute, a tight fight for the podium could be expected.

While Riiber was once again uncatchable at the front and kept his pursuers at a safe distance, a tough fight for the other two podium spots took place. 
Thomas Rettenegger (+41.7 sec) could not keep up with the fast pace of Lamparter (+37.5 sec) and Finn Eero Hirvonen (+37.9 sec) and had to stop after 2.5 km on the first run through the stadium.

Meanwhile, a large chasing group led by top skiers Joergen Graabak, Jens Luraas Oftebro and Stefan Rettenegger rushed up from behind.

Lamparter and Hirvonen couldn't keep them at a distance and were caught shortly before the 7.5 km mark, on the long climb into the stadium.

Seven athletes went into the last lap together.

On the last climb the Norwegians tried to pull away, but Lamparter, Hirvonen and Rettenegger withstood the attack.

It was only in the downhill part that Oftebro and Graabak were able to open up a gap.

While Riiber reached the finish line first and celebrated his 67th World Cup victory, Graabak and Oftebro entered the home stretch together.

In an exciting sprint, Graabak (+22.7 sec) narrowly prevailed and came second ahead of Oftebro (+23.4 sec), who completed the Norwegian podium sweep.

SJ Results: IG Men HS109/10km, 3.2.24 Seefeld
Overall Results: IG Men HS109/10km, 3.2.24 Seefeld