Scintillating Eric Frenzel helps Germany to perfect podium

The 28-year-old had finished third in the first of the World Cup races a day previous, but made the snow is own this time around to finish 0.8 seconds ahead of compatriot Fabian Riessle in 22:49.4.

Vinzenz Geiger rounded off the top three for Germany a further 22 seconds back, while Austrian home favourite Mario Seidl made it a successful weekend on home snow to take fourth.

And it was Seidl who had the home fans on their feet early, with the 24-year-old replicating the form that saw him win his World Cup debut at the same venue four years earlier, leading with a jump of 97 metres and 129.5 points to his name.

But for Frenzel, his win came without him being able to replicate his supreme jumping from day one, his effort of 93m seeing him pick up 125.2 points to start the second event in third place.

But it was he at the forefront of a strong group of six in the cross-country race, the start time differences whittled down as the bunch worked together at the head of the field.

Though it seemed the six would stay together, it was down to Frenzel and Riessle to dictate the pace, moving ahead of the rest of the field with one lap to go.

And with the knowledge of the previous successes behind him, Frenzel brought his experience to the fore, exerting his energy at just the right time to inch Riessle to the line.

His fellow German was not to be disappointed for too long however, his second runner-up spot of the weekend marking his 26th birthday as his country celebrated their third top-three shutout of the season.

Saturday's winner Johannes Rydzek finished sixth and remains in the lead of the World Cup standings, with the competition now heading to Lahti, Finland, for racing on January 7.

Sportsbeat 2016