The Evolution and Current State of Nordic Combined: A Discipline at a Crossroads
BERLIN, 08 February 2026 — As the sporting world turns its attention to the winter season’s peak, Nordic Combined remains one of the most demanding and historically rich disciplines in the snow sports calendar. Combining the explosive power and technical precision of ski jumping with the sheer endurance of cross-country skiing, the “King’s Discipline” of winter sports is currently navigating a period of significant transition, marked by recent triumphs in Seefeld and ongoing debates regarding its Olympic future.
Recent Results: The Seefeld Triple 2026
Last week, the prestigious Nordic Combined Triple concluded in Seefeld, Austria, serving as a vital litmus test for the world’s elite athletes. The event, known for its grueling three-day format where only the top athletes advance to the final day, saw a dramatic showdown between the powerhouse nations of Norway, Austria, and Germany.
Oftebro Triumphs in Thrilling Finale
Norway’s Jens Lurås Oftebro secured the overall victory in the men’s competition. In a tactical masterclass on 1 February 2026, Oftebro managed to overtake Austria’s Stefan Rettenegger in the final meters of the 10km cross-country race. Rettenegger, who had led for much of the final day following a dominant performance on the jumping hill, was unable to withstand Oftebro’s late surge, finishing just 3.7 seconds behind the Norwegian.
German Hopes: Vinzenz Geiger Secures Podium
Germany’s Olympic champion Vinzenz Geiger demonstrated his trademark finishing strength to claim third place overall. Despite admitting that “the energy ran out” during the final stages of the Seefeld Triple, Geiger’s podium finish is viewed as a successful dress rehearsal for the upcoming international highlights. His teammate, Nathalie Armbruster, finished fifth in the women’s overall standings, while the women’s Triple was dominated by Norway’s Ida Marie Hagen.
The Fundamentals: How Nordic Combined Works
Nordic Combined is unique in its requirement for two diametrically opposed physical skill sets. The competition is traditionally held over two stages, often spanning one or two days depending on the specific format.
- The Jump: Athletes perform a jump from either a Normal Hill or a Large Hill. Points are awarded for both distance and style.
- The Gundersen Method: This is the most common format. The points lead from the jumping round is converted into a time lead for the cross-country race. For example, 15 points typically equate to a one-minute lead on the tracks.
- The Race: Athletes start the cross-country race (usually 10km for men) in the order of their jumping results. The first person to cross the finish line wins the entire event.
Key Competition Formats
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual Gundersen | One jump followed by a 10km cross-country race (skating technique). |
| Team Sprint | A duo of athletes taking turns on the cross-country lap after individual jumps. |
| Team Event | Four athletes per nation, traditionally a 4x5km relay. |
The Olympic Dilemma: Milano Cortina 2026
Despite its long history—dating back to the first Holmenkollen Festival in 1892—Nordic Combined faces a challenging political landscape. As of the current 2026 cycle, the discipline remains the only winter sport in the Olympic programme without a women’s category. While women have competed at the World Championship level since 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to include them in the Winter Games, citing a lack of global participation and competitive depth.
Furthermore, the men’s competition is seeing structural changes. For the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, the traditional 4x5km team relay is being replaced by a 2×7.5km Team Sprint, a move intended to make the sport more dynamic and television-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Gundersen Method”?
Named after its creator, Gunder Gundersen, it is the system used to convert ski jumping points into time penalties. This allows the cross-country race to be a pursuit, meaning the first athlete to cross the finish line is the overall winner of the competition.
Why are there no women in Nordic Combined at the Olympics?
The IOC decided against including women’s Nordic Combined for the 2026 Games, arguing that the sport needs more “universality” (more nations competing at a high level) before it can be granted Olympic status. This decision has been met with significant criticism from athletes like Nathalie Armbruster.
Which nation is the most successful in Nordic Combined?
Historically, Norway has been the dominant force in the sport. However, Germany and Austria have consistently challenged this dominance, particularly in the last decade with athletes like Eric Frenzel, Vinzenz Geiger, and Johannes Lamparter.