Fifth place

Purker achieves best World Cup result

Claudia Purker skied to her best World Cup result.(Bild: GEPA)

Nordic combined athlete Claudia Purker has achieved her best result in a World Cup competition in Otepää. The athlete from Pongau pushed her limits in the cross-country ski run and also finished fifth as the best Austrian. Of course, the success is celebrated alcohol-free.

What a day for Claudia Purker! The Nordic combined athlete finished fifth in Otepää (Estonia), her best World Cup result to date. The Pongau native also put in a strong performance in the 5-kilometer cross-country ski run, making her the best Austrian. "I am mega happy. It was a really cool day," beamed the 26-year-old. She showed her fighting spirit on the cross-country ski run, pushing herself far beyond her limits: "I tried to stay in front for as long as possible because I knew there was something at stake."

After seventh place in Seefeld, this was Purker's second top ten result of the season. The form curve towards the World Championships in Trondheim is rising sharply. "I have to say a big thank you to my coach, he plans everything," says the athlete from Altenmarkt, who wants to toast her success without alcohol. Annalena Slamik completed a strong team performance in tenth place. Victory went to Ida Marie Hagen from Norway.

In the men's event, Johannes Lamparter finished fifth like Purker. With Thomas Rettenegger (9th) and Fabio Obermeyr (10th), two more Austrians finished in the top ten. Stefan Rettenegger finished eleventh. The German Vinzenz Geiger defeated Jarl Magnus Riiber (Nor) in the final sprint and took the victory.