Vinzenz Geiger Secures Bronze Medal at World Championships

Vinzenz Geiger has claimed the bronze medal in Nordic Combined at the World Championships. The athlete from Oberstdorf finished behind the victorious Norwegian Jarl Magnus Riiber and his compatriot Jens Luraas Oftebro in a fiercely competitive event. This medal marks Geiger’s second achievement at the championships in Trondheim, following his silver in the mixed team event the previous day. Teammate Julian Schmid came in fourth.

„Of course, I would have liked to win, but I think we are also very pleased with the bronze medal,“ Geiger stated during an interview with ZDF. Schmid, acknowledging the strength of the Norwegian competitors, remarked, „I have no regrets,“ emphasizing his respect for their performance.

Riiber Leads After Ski Jumping

After the ski jumping segment, top favorite Riiber held the lead, receiving cheers from thousands of fans at the Granasen Ski Center. The compact format of the competition, which involved fixed time intervals, kept the outcome uncertain. Schmid began the cross-country skiing portion third, trailing twelve seconds behind the best Nordic combined athlete of recent years, while Geiger started sixth, 26 seconds behind the leader.

„The jump was very good. The starting position is right. Now it’s just about fighting in the skiing,“ Schmid explained in his interview. „I believe it will be an exciting and close race. I’m looking forward to it.“ His prediction proved accurate as the competition unfolded.

Close Race with a Strong Leading Group

Schmid set a fast pace from the outset, quickly moving into second place. Approximately halfway through the race, the 25-year-old caught up to Riiber. He was not alone in this effort, as a larger leading group formed, which included Geiger. National coach Eric Frenzel expressed satisfaction with the strategy and performance of his top athletes during the race.

However, the 27-year-old Geiger ultimately fell short in the battle for gold and silver. This medal represents Geiger’s sixth at the World Championships, having previously secured silver five times.

„One can be very happy about third place,“ Frenzel commented, noting that they had hoped for a „happier ending.“