Johannes Rydzek skis to comfortable victory in first Nordic Combined event of season

Germany's Johannes Rydzek took top honours in the first Nordic Combined competition of the season, winning by more than 30 seconds in Ruka, Finland.

The 24-year-old captured the win in a time of 27:31.7 ahead of fellow countryman Eric Frenzel, who came home in 28:05.8.

The podium line-up was completed by Norway's Joergen Graabak, competing on home snow, who crossed the line 45.6 seconds slower than Rydzek.

Rydzek on song in Ruka Nordic Combined

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Japan's Akito Watabe had taken a slender victory over Rydzek in the jumping round, landing at 141.5 metres - just a metre more than the eventual champion – meaning just a single second separated them at the start of the track.

Finnish youngster Eero Hirvonen also impressed in the jump, capturing the intermediate third position with 138 metres.

But despite stiff competition from Watabe and Hirvonen, as well as Olympic champion Graabak, Rydzek prevailed in the race, with it soon becoming clear that Watabe could not compete for top spot.

Rydzek went on to ski a lonely race with victory all but secured before he crossed the line, with Hirvonen eventually finishing in fourth and Watabe in seventh.

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