Lamy Chappuis takes opening Nordic Combined World Cup event, Manninen 2nd in comeback

Lamy Chappuis takes Nordic Combined WCup event

KUUSAMO, Finland — Jason Lamy Chappuis of France has won the opening Nordic Combined World Cup event, edging four-time overall champion Hannu Manninen in the Finn’s comeback.

Lamy Chappuis led after a 142.5-meter effort in the ski jump, and held off his competitors in the cross-country race, finishing in 27 minutes, 5 seconds. Manninen was 8.1 seconds behind, with Eric Frenzel of Germany another 2.5 seconds back in third.

The 29-year-old Manninen retired last season to concentrate on his studies to become an airline pilot. He came back this season, hoping to compete in the team event at the Vancouver Olympics.

World champions Todd Lodwick and Bill Demong of the U.S. skipped the event.