Sommerfeldt storms to first COC win in icy Ruka opener

Tristan Sommerfeldt claimed the first Continental Cup (COC) win of the 2025–26 season on Saturday in Ruka (FIN), delivering an impressive cross-country performance to secure his maiden victory at this level.

The competition began in the morning with the ski jumping event on the Rukatunturi HS 142, where Norway’s Alvin Le set the early benchmark. Le produced the longest jump of the day, soaring to 137 meters and earning 146.0 points to take the lead. That result gave him the advantage of starting first in the 10 km cross-country race in the afternoon.

Second after jumping was Lukas Dolezal of Czechia, who landed at 130 meters (142.7 points) and started the race 13 seconds behind Le. Austria’s Christian Deuschl followed closely in third after a 132-meter jump (142.1 points), trailing the leader by 16 seconds. With 11 athletes starting the race within the first minute, a fierce battle for the podium was expected in the freezing Lapland conditions.

In Finland’s icy temperatures, Le was unable to defend his lead on the tracks and eventually dropped back to 11th place. Sommerfeldt, who had been fifth after jumping and started the race 32 seconds behind the leader, took full advantage. The 20-year-old showed outstanding strength in the cross-country race, moved into the lead and held on all the way to the finish to celebrate the first Continental Cup victory of his career.

Lukas Greiderer of Austria also delivered a strong performance. Starting tenth after jumping, he climbed steadily through the field and finished second, just 11.6 seconds behind Sommerfeldt. Dolezal limited his losses on the course, dropping only one position to finish third and secure the first COC podium of his career.

“It’s amazing - my first Continental Cup victory, and that’s a pretty good way to start the season,” Sommerfeldt said afterward. “We were here two weeks ago with the World Cup, and to come back and win here is incredible. I like cold competitions, although it’s always a bit tricky to keep your fingers and toes warm in these temperatures. I’d be happy to have another chance tomorrow. My jumping shape is pretty good at the moment, so I think the chances are there.”

With a breakthrough win and strong form in both jumping and skiing, Sommerfeldt could be a key name to watch as the Continental Cup weekend in Ruka continues.