Ilkka Herola has emerged as the top Finnish athlete in the combined event at the HS235 hill, performing a remarkable jump of 213 meters. This sets him up in third place heading into the ski portion of the competition, where he will be vying for the win. Despite his impressive leap, Herola displayed some dissatisfaction with his performance, hinting that he may have aimed for an even greater distance.

The competition is heating up as Johannes Lamparter from Austria starts the ski leg after executing an outstanding jump of 236.5 meters, which allowed him to maintain a strong position in the race. Lamparter's performance establishes him as a frontrunner, showcasing his skills and placing considerable pressure on his competitors. French skier Marco Heinis also achieved a personal best with a jump of 233.5 meters, setting a new French ski jumping record.

Other competitors struggled to match the top performances; Eero Hirvonen could only reach 191.5 meters, and Otto Niittykoski managed 195.5 meters but fell behind in points. The competition format emphasizes the significance of both jumping and skiing portions, making each section critical for overall success. As Herola prepares for the ski portion, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish as he battles for a podium position against strong rivals.