Chaux-Neuve: Rydzek wins, Mühlethaler third on home soil
Aug 31, 2024·Nordic Combined)
Johannes Rydzek is the winner of the first ever FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix in Chaux-Neuve (FRA) that took place in tropical conditions today.
The German already took the lead after the Ski Jumping competition on La Côté Feuillée HS 118 this noon.
In summerly temperatures, Rydzek jumped the furthest distance of the day with 112.5 meters (125.2 pts) and secured the victory of the jumping round. Therefore, the PCR winner is the first one to start into the 10 km roller ski race through Chaux-Neuve this afternoon.
Rank 2 after jumping went to local hero Laurent Mühlethaler from France, who landed at 111.5 meters (120.3 pts) and went into the course 20 seconds after Rydzek.
David Mach (110 mts, 117.7 pts) from Germany placed third, 30 seconds behind his team mate.
Rydzek, known for his skiing strength, offered the competition no attack surface and went into the race at full throttle despite hot temperatures and high humidity.
The German constantly increased his lead and even caused problems for the leader bike, which usually rides in the front, marking the leading athlete. On the climb before the third lap, Rydzek had to pass the visibly exhausted biker, who stopped afterwards, so that the race was completed without a lead vehicle.
Mühlethaler consistently maintained his second place and was loudly supported by the numerous spectators along the course. Nevertheless, after 6km the distance to Rydzek was already 31.4 seconds, while Manuel Faisst (+43.4 seconds) and David Mach (43.7 seconds) rushed up from behind.
While Rydzek confidently took his victory to the finish, David Mach had to let go of the pursuing group on the last lap.
Mühlethaler and Faisst delivered an exciting finish sprint, which the German narrowly won.
Faisst (+37.2 sec) secured the German double victory ahead of Mühlethaler (+39 sec), who made the fans cheer with his podium finish.
SJ Results: Men Individual Gundersen HS118 – 31.8.24, Chaux-Neuve
Overall Results: Men Individual Gundersen HS118 – 31.8.24, Chaux-Neuve
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