Vinzenz Geiger claimed his third victory of the season at the Gundersen event of the Ramsau Nordic Combined World Cup held on December 21, 2024. The German Olympian delivered an impressive performance, overcoming significant time deficits to secure the win, and cement his position as one of the top competitors going forward.
Geiger started the cross-country race one minute and six seconds behind the leader after the ski jump, which had undergone tumultuous conditions resulting from heavy snowfall days prior. Nevertheless, with determination and skill, he showcased exceptional ability on the trails and surged forward during the race. After his competitors, including Finland's Ilkka Herola who finished second, fell behind, Geiger managed to complete the race with only one second to spare, marking his 13th individual World Cup victory.
“Das war perfekt. Hier in Ramsau habe ich schon ein paar Mal gewonnen. Das Jahr so abzuschließen, ist genial,” said Geiger to ARD, expressing his satisfaction following the race. His triumphant finish came as he had started off the competition ranked 15th, putting him at a considerable disadvantage. He wasn’t the only successful German athlete at Ramsau; compatriot Julian Schmid also made waves, securing third place and his own impressive showing throughout the season.
Schmid, reflecting on his performance, commented, “Es war wieder extrem hart,” noting the challenges faced during the race but was thrilled with his podium position. Geiger’s latest win also means he advances closer to overall leader Jarl Magnus Riiber from Norway, who finished sixth, widening the gap between them but still showing the German team’s strength.
The Ramsau weekend was particularly notable as it provided Geiger and his teammates the holiday spirit of the season. Team morale was bolstered by former Austrian coach Heinz Kuttin, who brought along playing cards for the team to enjoy between the races, fostering a relaxed environment as they progressed through the competition.
Vanquished by the fierce competition, Herola shared his feelings post-race, “It is really nice to return to the podium – it has been quite a long time since the last one,” emphasizing the competitive nature of the recent events. This adds depth to the overall narrative of sportsmanship and resilience shown during the World Cup events.
Looking forward, the next World Cup series will continue from January 18-19, 2025, back on home soil at Schonach. With the winter season still well underway, the anticipation continues to build around the upcoming competitions and how athletes like Geiger, Schmid, and others will perform.
Kuttin’s contributions to the team behind the scenes demonstrate how teamwork extends beyond just the competition, contributing to the camaraderie and strong support system among the athletes, which has become evident this season.
Vinzenz Geiger’s win not only ends the year on high notes for the Nordic Combined team but also positions them favorably as they prepare for upcoming championships. With significant momentum on their side, the German contingent is poised for what could be another successful outing at the World Championships scheduled soon.
