Three competitions in Lillehammer - three victories: Jarl Magnus Riiber was absolutely unbeatable this weekend. The 21-year-old Norwegian, who improved a lot in cross-country skiing this winter, was already 21 seconds ahead after ski jumping on 129.5 meters. The jumpers had to fight in the lower part of the hill with a lot of tailwind - especially the last jumpers. Jarl Riiber did not mind: "I'm missing the pressure to fly, but I' had a good telemark and I am satisfied. I'm not going to start that fast and save my energy for the end. My goal is the third place," he said after the jump.
But saving energies for the end was not necessary: His direct chasers fell back in the cross-country skiing, the chasing group skied tactically, so that his lead grew and grew. In the end, he was able to finish quite relaxed and let the audience celebrate him. In the end of the race Jørgen Graabak led the chasing group and attacked about one kilometer from the finish. Johannes Rydzek reacted quickly, but had to pass the group outside before he could follow the Norwegian. With five meters gap, both went on the home straight and although the German had the better final sprint, he was not able to catch the Norwegian in the fight for second place. Fourth place went to Akito Watabe (JPN, Fischer skis, bindings and boots) ahead of Martin Fritz (AUT, Fischer) with his best World Cup result followed by Espen Bjørnstad (NOR, Fischer skis, bindings and boots). Go Yamamoto (JPN, Fischer skis, bindings and boots) finished tenth.
