NORDIC COMBINED. Before this year's series, Christoph Bieler was the only athlete so far, who could defend the overall victory of the Summer Grand Prix. The Austrian won the summer series 2005 and 2006. Also in 2011 the 33-year-old played an important role in the overall ranking, but closely missed the podium at the end. Johannes Rydzek followed in the footsteps of the Austrian and defend last year's title. The 19-year-old German captured the title with a victory in front of his home crowd in Oberstdorf.

His main opponent in this "Night-Race" was, just like in the overall ranking, his teammate Bjoern Kircheisen. Already after the jumping there was only a difference of three seconds between these two athletes and about half a minute to the best in jumping, Maxime Laheurte from France. Laheurte could defend his lead on the demanding course around the Erdinger-Arena for half of the race, but was defeated then. After the fourth lap the two Germans broke away of the leading group consisting of seven athletes and battled for the victory. Local hero Rydzek reached the finish line about 30 seconds ahead of his teammate.

"It's awesome to win here in front of my home crowd. I want to thank everybody for the support", Rydzek said to the more than 1000 spectators. About the idea to run the race also through the ski jumping stadium Rydzek said: "At first I was a bit skeptical that we were supposed to run over the matts. But it worked great. I had goose bumps everytime I ran through the stadium." After he passed his A-levels, the preparation for the winter now starts for the youngster of the German team.

The third place went to the overall World Cup winner from France, Jason Lamy Chappuis. "I'm satisfied with my performance in the Summer Grand Prix. I focused on the performance in the race so far in training, that's why I was not so good in jumping", he told. The 24-year-old was followed by Sebastien Lacroix (FRA), Chrstian Beetz (GER) and Italian Alessandro Pittin, who all showed strong performances in the race.

The winner of the Summer Grand Prix 2011 that consisted of five competitions is Johannes Rydzek with 390 points. He was awarded with a prize money of 5000 Euro and the check was handed over by his former coach Thomas Mueller. Bjoern Kircheisen (280 points) receives 3500 Euro for his second palce. Eric Frenzel completed the German triumph as third and earned 2000 Euro.

FISnordiccmobined.com
03.09.2011 22:19

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