In a disappointing performance at the Olympic Games in Predazzo, German athletes Vinzenz Geiger and Johannes Rydzek struggled during the Nordic combined event, ultimately finishing ninth and tenth respectively. Despite Rydzek graciously allowing Geiger to take the lead during their final sprint, the race was devoid of competition for medals, as the Germans lost ground early on and were unable to keep pace with the leaders. Julian Schmid, a fellow teammate, also faced challenges, finishing in twelfth place after admitting to physical struggles during the race.

The event saw Norway's Jens Luraas Oftebro claim the gold medal, followed by Austria's Johannes Lamparter with silver and Finland's Ilkka Herola earning bronze. Geiger, a two-time Olympic champion and overall World Cup winner in 2025, finished an astonishing 1:36 minutes behind the winner, highlighting the gap in performance during this Olympic cycle for German Nordic combined athletes. The lack of competitive finishes for the Germans was emblematic of a broader trend of frustration as they failed to meet the expectations set for them on the world stage.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Winter Games in Milan and Cortina will be a significant opportunity for these athletes to regroup and aim for better results, especially considering the regional rivalries and intense competition. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the pressure is on to perform, particularly for seasoned athletes like Geiger and Rydzek, who carry the weight of past successes but now face a stark reality of underperformance.