Nordic combined

Hirner third at the World Cup opener in Lillehammer

Nordic combined skier Lisa Hirner has made it onto the podium in her first World Cup competition of the season!

The Styrian finished third on Friday in Lillehammer behind the favored Norwegians Ida Marie Hagen and Gyda Westvold Hansen. She was 6.6 seconds off second place, with her nearest rivals well behind the 21-year-old.

"I am very proud and very happy!"
"It couldn't be better, a very nice start to the season for me. I had problems in the jumping yesterday, but I'm very proud and very happy with the whole day today," said Hirner.

She was second in the cross-country race after Norway's Ingrid Laate, who was actually ahead of her, did not compete due to injury.

German jumping winner Gerboth slipped back
While the German jumping winner Maria Gerboth slipped back to fifth place, Hirner maintained her podium position over the 5 kilometers. However, she had to let the Norwegians around the superior Hagen go.

The second best Austrian was Claudia Purker in 13th place. On Saturday, a compact competition will take place in the 1994 Olympic city.