Oftebro doubles up with Compact victory in Bischofshofen

Jens Luraas Oftebro (NOR) made it two wins from two at the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix in Bischofshofen (AUT), taking victory in today’s Individual Compact.

In slightly cooler conditions than the previous day, Kristjan Ilves (EST) produced the standout jump on the Paul-Ausserleitner hill HS 142. The Estonian soared to 144 meters and scored 143.4 points to take the lead ahead of the 7.5 km roller ski race through Bischofshofen.

Yesterday’s winner Jens Luraas Oftebro (NOR) followed in second after jumping 137 meters and collecting 138.2 points. With the fixed starting times of the Compact format, he began the race six seconds behind Ilves.

His brother Einar Luraas Oftebro (NOR) also reached 137 meters, scoring 132.9 points to rank third and start 12 seconds behind the leader.

With the Compact format bringing the field closely together, all athletes were on course after just 1:30 minutes and a tight battle for the podium quickly developed.

Ilves defended his lead throughout the first lap, but the Oftebro brothers rapidly closed the gap. After 1.3 km, they were just 0.5 seconds behind the Estonian.

Jens Oftebro made his move at 2.5 km and took over at the front. Ilves remained close at +0.3 seconds, with Stefan Rettenegger (AUT) at +1.4 seconds and Einar Oftebro at +1.9 seconds as four athletes battled for the leading positions.

From there, Jens Oftebro began to pull clear. The Norwegian continuously increased his advantage and, after 5 km, held a 21.7-second lead over the chasing group of Einar Oftebro, Ilves and Rettenegger.

There was no catching him in the final part of the race. Oftebro crossed the finish line first to secure his second victory of the weekend, 25.6 seconds ahead of his brother Einar in second place.

Ilves dropped back in the closing stages, while Rettenegger moved into third and completed the podium, finishing 34.3 seconds behind the winner.