Lamparter dominates Ski Flying PCR at Kulm

History was made on the legendary Kulm HS 235 hill as the Men’s first-ever Ski Flying competition in the Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup got underway in Bad Mitterndorf (AUT).

Thirty athletes from nine nations lined up for two training rounds and the Provisional Competition Round (PCR), with anticipation running high. For many competitors, it was their first experience on a ski flying hill - a daunting step up from the large hills typically used in the World Cup.

If there were nerves, Austria’s Johannes Lamparter showed none.

Competing on home soil, the Overall World Cup leader delivered a statement performance in his ski flying debut. In his very first flight on the HS 235, Lamparter launched himself out to 232 meters in the opening training round, immediately proving he belongs among the sport’s elite flyers.

He carried that dominance into the PCR. Despite the jury lowering the start gate by two positions for the Austrian, Lamparter still soared to 220.5 meters. His effort earned 217.9 points and secured him victory in the Provisional Competition Round, underlining his status as the man to beat heading into competition day.

Herola leads the pursuit as rivals respond

Finland’s Ilkka Herola produced the longest jump of the PCR, flying 221 meters. The impressive effort brought him 220.5 points and second place, positioning him as a strong challenger.

Austria celebrated another top result thanks to Thomas Rettenegger, currently wearing the blue bib as Best Jumper. Rettenegger reached 218.5 meters and collected 204.5 points to finish third in the PCR standings.

The furthest jump of the day came earlier in training, when Germany’s David Mach soared to 236 meters in the first round, setting a new Nordic Combined ski flying record and sending a clear signal ahead of the main event.

The Individual Compact competition begins tomorrow at 10:00 CET with the Ski Jumping round, where the world’s best Nordic Combined athletes will take on the mighty Kulm once again to show their skills in the official Ski Flying World Cup premiere.