Photo: Linnea Laatikainen
Friday at Lahti Ski Games started with the Nordic Combined competition in sunny weather. Despite the sunshine, the wind was variable, and the jumping segment couldn’t be completed. The starting order for the afternoon’s skiing section was based on the results of Thursday’s reserve competition. Leading the pack was Germany’s Julian Schmid, followed by Austria’s Johannes Lamparter, eight seconds behind, and Japan’s Ryota Yamamoto, who started third with a 20-second gap to the leader. The best-placed Finn was Ilkka Herola, who started from seventh place with a 41-second gap to Schmid.
After an eventful and thrilling competition, Austria’s Johannes Lamparter claimed victory. He currently holds third place in the overall World Cup standings. Finland’s Ilkka Herola secured second place, finishing 27 seconds behind Lamparter, while Germany’s Julian Schmid, who had started first, took third place.
In the afternoon, it was time for the Women’s World Cup Ski Jumping Final. The competition took place in a joyful atmosphere and beautiful weather. Slovenia’s Nika Prevc won both the day’s event and the Overall World Cup, demonstrating outstanding form throughout the season. Second place went to her compatriot Ema Klinec, while Norway’s Anna Odine Stroem secured third. Jenny Rautionaho was the best Finnish athlete.
The day concluded with high-speed men’s and women’s sprint races. With an electrifying atmosphere, roaring cheers, and blazing flames, Germany’s Coletta Rydzek claimed victory in the women’s sprint. Norway’s Kristine Stavås Skistad secured second place, while Switzerland’s Nadine Fähndrich finished third. In the men’s sprint, the expected winner, Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, dominated the race. France’s Jules Chappaz battled his way to second place, while Italy’s Federico Pellegrino took third. Among the Finnish athletes, Jasmin Kähärä reached the final and ultimately finished sixth.
To end the evening, Jasmi Joensuu was awarded as the overall winner of the Sprint World Cup in front of the home crowd.
