NORDIC COMBINED WORLD CUP. When the Gundersen-Format was introduced in the 1960's in nordic combined, this idea of Norwegian Gunder Gundersen - to start the cross country race in the order of the jumping result - was criticized. The high mental pressure on the leader when he's chased by the competition was used as an argument against it. But this format prevailed and is now an exciting factor of the sport.

World Cup leader Jason Lamy Chappuis experienced that kind of pressure again in Lillehammer when he achieved his 13th victory. The French was 20 seconds ahead of Germany's Eric Frenzel after the jumping portion. "I don't like to run the race alone because it's hard to tell if the speed is okay", Lamy Chappuis said about his race. But in spite of all the difficulties, yesterday's winner and local hero Mikko Kokslien praised the tactical performance of Lamy Chappuis. "I was really looking forward to the race. I had many good athletes around me and in the middle of the race I hoped that I could close the gap. But his performance was perfect today."

And the French could keep the competition at bay. Frenzel could not come closer but when Kokslien, Mario Stecher, Felix Gottwald and Seppi Hurschler closed the gap to the German the lead melted. But Lamy Chappuis could secure the victory. Mikko Kokslien captured the second place in the final sprint against Mario Stecher. Felix Gottwald finished fourth. "Right now I don't combine much. I only do cross country skiing", Gottwald said about his deficits on the hill. Statistics proves that: The 33-year-old was the best in cross country in the last seven World Cup competitions.

Jason Lamy Chappuis extended his lead in the overall ranking after four competitions with 340 points. He is followed by Mikko Kokslien (289), Felix Gottwald (260) and Eric Frenzel (210). The next World Cup competitions will be held in Ramsau (AUT) on December 18th and 19th.

FISnordiccombined.com
05.12.2010

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