Ilka Herola took the victory. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

Without South Tyroleans: Nordic combined athletes celebrate flight premiere

Johannes Lamparter has come a big step closer to winning the overall World Cup at the ski flying premiere of the Nordic combined event on the Kulm near Bad Mitterndorf.

February 27, 2026

From: leo/apa

Austria's star Nordic combined skier was narrowly beaten by Finn Ilkka Herola (+0,1 seconds) on Friday and further extended his lead. With two races remaining, Lamparter has a 173-point advantage over his closest rival, Jens Luraas Oftebro of Norway.

As a "side effect," Lamparter also secured the small compact crystal globe and has a great chance of finishing the season with three globes at the final races in Lahti (March 6) and Oslo (March 15). This is because the mass start title had already gone to the three-time Olympic medalist from Milan/Cortina at the end of January in Seefeld.

Lamparter confidently in front of home crowd

Lamparter soared off the ski flying hill with a stylish 236,5 meters, achieving the longest jump of the day. In the cross-country race, he was only beaten by Herola after a sprint finish. Oftebro, who had finished ahead of Lamparter in both individual events at the Olympics, had to settle for fifth place. It seems unlikely that the Norwegian will be able to close the gap in the overall standings.

The podium with Johannes Lamparter, Ilka Herola and Johannes Rydzek. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

"The second globe is secured, and things are looking very, very good for the big one too. Things are going well, I'm happy," was Lamparter's satisfied summary on ORF. At the same time, he admitted to having been "really bad" physically. "Everything was geared towards the Olympics. Health-wise and energy-wise, I'm not at my best anymore." But the overall World Cup winner of 2022/23 shouldn't mind too much. "If I come in second today, and that's the worst that can happen – then I'll gladly take it."

Aaron Kostner from St. Ulrich did not participate in the competition because he is not ranked among the top 40 in the World Cup ski jumping standings. The same applies to all other athletes from Italy.