Ida Marie Hagen and Gyda Westvold Hansen delivered a spectacular comeback in Lillehammer. © APA/afp / GEIR OLSEN

After a crazy comeback: Norway wins in combination

The start of the Nordic combined event in Lillehammer could not have been more exciting. After the ski jumping, nothing looked like the Norwegians would win at home. But in the end, thanks to an incredible comeback, they still took the double victory.

06 December 2024

From: dpa

Ida Marie Hagen won the Nordic combined women's season opener. Last winter's overall World Cup winner beat her compatriot Gyda Westvold Hansen and Lisa Hirner from Austria. Maria Gerboth, who had been in the lead after the ski jumping in the morning, was unable to keep up with the best in the decisive cross-country skiing race.

It was a very special victory for the Norwegian. Hagen made up a 34-second deficit from the ski jumping and confidently won her fifth victory in a row. She won in 15:24,09 minutes, 49 seconds ahead of her compatriot Hansen, who also put in a spectacular comeback. It also ended Hagen's winning streak in Lillehammer: the 22-year-old had won all six World Cup competitions in the Norwegian city in the last three years.

From the Azzurre's perspective, Veronica Gianmoena achieved the best result with 21st place. Greta Pinzani came in just behind in 23rd place. The South Tyroleans Daniela Dejori and Anna Senoner took 24th and 32nd place.