Schmid and Rettenegger shine in Otepää's double PCR
Jan 08, 2026·Nordic Combined
Cold winter air and a tense weather forecast set the stage for an action-packed afternoon in Otepää, as the Men’s Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup completed not one, but two Provisional Competition Rounds (PCR) on Thursday at the Tehvandi HS97 hill.
With unpredictable conditions looming for the weekend, the jury made the decisive call to schedule two PCR on the same day. A total of 59 competitors from 13 nations took to the hill, first for a training jump and then straight into the PCR.
Germany’s Julian Schmid made an immediate statement in the opening round. Flying to 95 meters, Schmid delivered a jump that earned him 115.4 points and the victory in the first PCR. Close behind was his experienced teammate Johannes Rydzek, who reached 95.5 meters and collected 113.3 points to secure second place. The highlight jump of the round came from Austria’s Thomas Rettenegger, who thrilled spectators with a massive 101-meter flight. Despite slightly lower style points, Rettenegger finished third with 113 points.
However, the first PCR was overshadowed by a heavy crash from Atsushi Narita. The Japanese fell upon landing and sustained an injury to his shoulder, casting a brief shadow over the competition as medical teams quickly attended to him.
Rettenegger strikes back in 2. PCR
The second PCR brought a clear message from the current Best Jumper Trophy leader. Rettenegger once again showcased his class, soaring to 98 meters with one gate less than his competitors, after a coach request. His confident performance earned him 125.2 points and the win, underlining his status as the man to beat on the hill. Japan’s Ryota Yamamoto responded with the longest jump of the round, stretching out to 101 meters to claim second place with 119.2 points. Schmid completed the podium for the second time of the day, landing at 96 meters and scoring 116.4 points for third.
The men’s first competition of the weekend will begin tomorrow at 13:30 CET with the 10 km cross-country race of the Mass Start.
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