Vinzenz Geiger Secures Bronze in World Championships, Jarl Magnus Riiber Praised as the Greatest

In the Nordic combined event at the World Championships held in Norway, Jarl Magnus Riiber, the Super-Combinator, was overwhelmed with emotion following his gold medal victory, while Vinzenz Geiger celebrated his bronze win with a more subdued demeanor. Geiger’s performance marked the second medal for the German combined team, following their silver in the mixed team event.

Despite his podium finish, the Olympic champion expressed slight disappointment over not securing the top title, stating, „I am someone who also wants to win gold. It annoys me a bit, but I will gladly take the bronze medal.“ He went on to commend Riiber, who suffers from a chronic intestinal disease and is set to retire after this season, saying, „There are no discussions, he is the best of all time. I always enjoy when I can challenge him,“ although on this occasion, he could not.

Geiger was unable to surpass Jens Luraas Oftebro, who finished in second place. The German Ski Association lodged a protest against Oftebro, claiming he had not adhered to the rules, but their protest was ultimately rejected.

Geiger’s teammate from Oberstdorf, Schmid, finished in fourth place. He expressed no regrets about his performance and praised Riiber, who had also led the mixed team to gold the day prior, stating, „He kept his nerves intact—simply fascinating.“ Riiber’s teammates celebrated his achievement with a guard of honor and a wave.

Riiber started the cross-country skiing leg as the leader, having already established a lead during the ski jumping. Thousands of fans at the Granasen Ski Center cheered him on. The compact format, with set time intervals, kept many possibilities open.

Following the ski jumping, Schmid started in third place, trailing Riiber by twelve seconds. Geiger, who secured his sixth World Championship medal, began the 7.5-kilometer cross-country race in sixth place, 26 seconds behind the leader. „I think it will be an exciting and close race,“ Schmid remarked after the jumping, a prediction that proved accurate.

From the start, Schmid set a fast pace and quickly moved into second place. About halfway through the course, the 25-year-old caught up to Riiber, forming a larger leading group that included Geiger. However, Riiber was not weak; he managed his energy well and left no chance for competitors in the final sprint.

Bundestrainer Eric Frenzel commented, „One can be very happy about the third place,“ although there was hope for an even „happier ending.“