Rydzek wins thrilling Gundersen in Chaux-Neuve

Johannes Rydzek celebrated victory in the men’s Individual Gundersen at the second stop of the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix in Chaux-Neuve (FRA), highlighting both his strong form and the unique atmosphere in the French venue.

On the La Côté Feuillée HS118 hill at noon, Austria’s Florian Kolb delivered the furthest jump in light rain. With 117.5 meters and 121.1 points, he secured the Ski Jumping win and was first to set off into the 10 km roller ski race. Germany’s Rydzek followed closely after a 116.5 m jump (120.6 pts), just 2 seconds behind, while his teammate Richard Stenzel – winner of the PCR earlier that morning – jumped 115 m (120.2 pts) and started 4 seconds back.

The narrow gaps made for an exciting race. Rydzek, competing in the red bib as Best Skier, immediately closed the gap to Kolb and was joined by Stenzel, with the three forming a tight lead group. The chasing pack of Laurent Muhlethaler, Marco Heinis, and Jiri Konvalinka trailed by 28 seconds at the halfway mark but couldn’t bridge across.

In the decisive final lap, Rydzek attacked and pulled away, crossing the line first.

Stenzel secured his first Grand Prix podium in second place, 12.9 seconds behind, while Kolb celebrated his maiden top-three finish in third, 20.2 seconds back.

For Rydzek, who took over the yellow bib as Grand Prix leader, the win was also a sign of progress after Oberstdorf: “I struggled with my jumping there and couldn’t show what I was able to do in training. Here in Chaux-Neuve I really like the hill, and my jumps were better. Being second after jumping, I had a good feeling for the cross-country.”

Although some of the big names in the field were absent, Rydzek emphasized the importance of competing in such events: “It’s a pity, because it is such a great atmosphere here and we are fighting for our sport – then you should come to every world-class event, that’s my opinion.”