Franz-Josef Rehrl wins PCR in Lahti

Austria’s Franz-Josef Rehrl had a perfect return to the World Cup, winning the Provisional Competition round in Lahti. 124 metres and 127 points carried Rehrl to the pole position, should the PCR have to be used on the weekend. World Cup leader Akito Watabe was second with 124.5 metres (125.9 p.) and teammate Takehiro Watanabe claimed position three with 122 metres and 122.3 points.

In calm conditions, Austria had Falun World Champion Bernhard Gruber claimed the fourth place as well (117.5 m; 121.3 p), Espen Andersen was fifth. The Top Ten were completed by Willi Denifl, Go Yamamoto, Eero Hirvonen, Fabian Rießle and Jan Schmid.

Should the PCR be used, this would mean Rehrl and Watabe could ski together with only four seconds of start time difference. Watanabe would follow with a delay of 19 seconds, fast German Fabian Rießle would have 36 seconds to make up and the difference between Watabe and Jan Schmid, who is on the second place in the World Cup standings would be 34 seconds. Johannes Rydzek would have 46 seconds to make up, Jørgen Graabak 54 seconds.

As the qualification was moved to Sunday, today’s result only counts as a Provisional Competition Round and all athletes are entitled to take part in the trial round/qualification on Sunday morning.