Volavsek wins finale and secures Summer Grand Prix overall

Ema Volavsek (SLO) finished the FIS Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix 2026 in style, winning today’s final competition in Chaux-Neuve (FRA) and securing the overall Summer Grand Prix title.

In bright sunshine, Katharina Gruber (AUT) once again showed her strength on the HS 118. The young Austrian, who celebrated her first Grand Prix victory yesterday, produced the furthest jump of the day with 115 meters and 117.4 points to take the lead.

Ema Volavsek followed in second after landing at 110 meters and scoring 112.2 points. Due to the fixed starting times of the Individual Compact format, the Slovenian started the final 5 km roller ski race just six seconds behind Gruber.

Claudia Purker (AUT) ranked third with 112 meters and 111.4 points, starting 12 seconds behind the leader.

With the small Compact gaps and motivated French fans lining the course with smoke torches and whistles, everything was set for a close battle in the final race of the Summer Grand Prix.

Gruber started strongly and tried to defend her lead, but Volavsek immediately put the Austrian under pressure. The Slovenian closed the gap already on the first uphill, and the two went into the following downhill together.

Behind them, Nathalie Armbruster (GER), who had started from fourth position, quickly caught Purker and began her chase towards the podium.

Volavsek soon made the decisive move at the front. After 2.5 km, she had opened a 17.1-second advantage over Gruber, who was fighting to hold onto second place.

Armbruster continued to gain ground and was only 25.9 seconds behind Volavsek at the halfway point.

Masa Likozar Brankovic (SLO) was also producing a strong race. Seventh after jumping, she had moved up to fourth after 2.5 km, 41.5 seconds behind the leader.

At the front, Volavsek once again demonstrated the roller ski strength that had taken her to the top of the Best Skier Trophy standings. The Slovenian controlled the second half of the race and carried her advantage all the way to the finish to secure victory in the final competition of the summer.

Armbruster caught Gruber on the final lap and crossed the finish line in second place, 26.5 seconds behind Volavsek.

Gruber completed the podium in third, 41.5 seconds behind the winner.

One of the biggest moves of the race came from Daniela Dejori (ITA). Starting from 13th position after jumping, the Italian worked her way through the field to finish fourth, only 47.6 seconds behind Volavsek.

With her victory, Volavsek also secured the overall Summer Grand Prix title – the third time in her career.

Gruber finished second in the overall standings, with Armbruster taking third.

Volavsek completed her successful summer by also winning the Best Skier Trophy, while Gruber secured the Best Jumper Trophy.