Rettenegger takes start-to-finish victory in Oberstdorf Night Race

Stefan Rettenegger (AUT) claimed victory in the Men’s Individual Compact at the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix in Oberstdorf (GER), leading the famous Night Race from start to finish.

In summery conditions, PCR winner Rettenegger already set the pace on the hill. The Austrian produced the furthest jump of the evening with 136 meters and 123.2 points on the HS 137, earning the first starting position for the 7.5 km roller ski race through Oberstdorf.

Kristjan Ilves (EST) followed in second after landing at 132.5 meters and collecting 117.7 points. Due to the fixed starting times of the Compact format, the Estonian started six seconds behind Rettenegger.

Summer Grand Prix overall leader Jens Luraas Oftebro (NOR) ranked third with 129 meters and 116.8 points and began the race 12 seconds behind the leader.

The men had to complete six laps of the 1.3 km course, and Rettenegger immediately set a high pace at the front.

By the second lap, the Austrian had increased his advantage to 13.5 seconds, while Oftebro and Ilves (+14 sec) worked together in an attempt to close the gap.

Rettenegger continued to push and remained firmly in control. After 4.1 km, Oftebro was skiing alone in pursuit, 15.2 seconds behind, while Ilves was no longer able to match the pace and had dropped back to +23.2 seconds.

Further behind, Vinzenz Geiger (GER) was producing one of the performances of the night. The German had started the race from 21st position after jumping but steadily worked his way through the field. After 4.1 km, he had reduced his deficit to 53.2 seconds.

At the front, Rettenegger remained untouchable. Ilves continued to lose ground and eventually finished 11th, while Oftebro held onto second place.

Rettenegger, who is currently leading the Best Skier Trophy, crossed the finish line first to secure the victory in front of the Oberstdorf crowd.

Oftebro finished second, 1:03.8 minutes behind the Austrian.

Geiger completed an impressive comeback to give the home crowd plenty to cheer about, climbing from 21st after jumping all the way to third place and finishing 1:15.4 minutes behind the winner.