Great finish: Lamparter wins his first Olympic medal

Even after jumping it was clear that the cross-country ski run would be very close. Thomas Rettenegger entered the trail as the first pursuer of Estonian Kristijan Ilves, his brother Stefan and Lamparter followed in 4th and 6th place. But the gaps were small – and so it happened as it had to happen: the field soon narrowed down.

In difficult, low and slow conditions there were still seven runners fighting for the medals in the third of four rounds. Lamparter and Stefan Rettenegger were fully involved. On the last lap Oftebro attacked, but then Lamparter fired up the turbo. The Tyrolean chased Oftebro, but was just behind on the home straight, just a second short of gold. Finn Eero Hirvonen secured bronze. The third Austrian at the start, Thomas Rettenegger, ended up in ninth place.

For World Cup leader and double world champion Lamparter, it was the first medal at the Olympic Games after the disappointments in Beijing (two bronze medals). “It wasn’t the easiest conditions. I had a lot of doubts about whether I could make it here,” Lamparter said happily, “now I have my Olympic medal and can look forward to the large hill.” Next week there will be the competition on the large hill – where the Austrians are even stronger.