Coming up: Schwarzwaldpokal premiere and German Trophy final
Jan 24, 2024·Nordic Combined
The FIS Nordic Combined World Cup returns to Schonach (GER) for a highlight packed weekend.
On Saturday, fans can look forward to the 58th exciting battle for the traditional Schwarzwaldpokal, which will also be awarded to the Nordic Combined women for the first time.
For this purpose, the organizing committee had a special trophy made, which, like the men's, serves as a challenge cup.
The final of the WIRmachenDRUCK German Trophy will take place on Sunday, which was also held for women for the first time.
The program for this historic weekend includes two individual Gundersen events for both genders, whereby on Sunday instead of the classic 5 km, the women will for the first time complete a 7.5 km cross-country race in the World Cup.
The current leader of the men's German Trophy, Jarl Magnus Riiber, who did not compete in Schonach last year for health reasons, will try to collect valuable points for overall victory.
His biggest competition comes from Austria, with defending champion and Overall World Cup second Johannes Lamparter.
On home soil, the eyes will primarily be on Manuel Faisst. The local hero came third at the World Cup in Oberstdorf and will once again aim for the podium in front of his home crowd.
But another Black Forester will also be the focus at the weekend: Fabian Riessle, team Olympic champion and World Champion, will compete in the last World Cup race on Sunday, before ending his career.
In the women's category, Ida Marie Hagen from Norway achieved a tie on points with the previous World Cup dominator Gyda Westvold Hansen with her victory in Oberstdorf.
Hagen's cross-country strength will particularly benefit her on Sunday, in the 7.5 km premiere race.
From Norway, Mari Leinan Lund is also considered a podium favorite after her maiden World Cup victory in Oberstdorf.
Local hero and last season’s Overall World Cup second Nathalie Armbruster is still waiting for her first podium finish this winter and now wants to achieve it in front of a home crowd.
Team mate Jenny Nowak, who won the Continental Cup in Klingenthal last week and came second in Schonach last year, also has her eye on the podium and great chances of a top placement.
For Japan, all hopes are on Haruka Kasai, who is waiting for her first individual podium of the season.
But no matter who emerges victorious in the end, history will definitely be made this weekend.
