The combiners got the first gold medal for Germany at the Nordic Ski World Cup. A punishment for Norway had cleared the way.
Dramatic struggle for precious metal – after Topfavorit Norway was downgraded after a punishment in the medal fight, the path seemed clear for the German quartet. But a fall of Johannes Rydzek almost burst the dream of the German combiners of gold.
In the end, however, the quartet with the four Colonel Dores Johannes Rydzek, Wendelin Thannheimer, Vinzenz Geiger and Julian Schmid prevailed and stormed into gold in front of Austria. Norway was still bronze after a strong catch -up.
“I can’t really believe it yet“said Erik Frenzel, who was able to celebrate his first gold as a national coach.”We can be overjoyed.“Rydzek, on the other hand, beamed at the chance”to be at the top with the team from Oberstdorf. “However, celebrations are only made after the last competition on Saturday. Then”Will it be full throttle“Geiger announced.
DSV chance of gold after punishment for Norway
After a disqualification by the Norwegian Jörgen Graabak, the German team went second to the cross -country ski run and was only two seconds behind Austria. Japan was 28 seconds behind. Graabak’s bond is not said to have met the regulations. The hosts were protested, but this was rejected.
So the top favorite had to catch up for 1:42 minutes – instead of going to the trail as a leading team. Because the Norwegians have such good runners, a medal was still within reach – even if the distance to gold was too big.
Rydzek crash tears gap
The fall of Johannes Rydzek shortly before the first change brought additional drama into the decision. Austria was able to pull away for a few seconds. “It hurts a bit in the heart. I made such a horny race“, said Rydzek, who got stuck in the deep snow. WM newcomer Wendelin Thannheimer tried to close the gap to keep the chance of gold. This did not work, the deficit was constant.
Schmid ignites the turbo
But it was only when Julian Schmid continuously ignited the turbo at the season postage that the Austrian’s interim solo run was over. Schmid gave Geiger a lead of 6.6 seconds to the last rounds. “Wide chest, wide shoulders, you are the boss“, Feels cross-country coach Peter Schlickenrieder on the last round at the Liefrand Geiger.
He showed that he still had the necessary grains in the quiver and pulled the Austrian Fabio Obermeyr on the last climb. A few moments later, the Germans celebrated the sixth gold in a relay decision.