Nordic Combined FIS Continental Cup 2025 - 2026 (Schonach)

February 2026 International break   07.02.2026   EUROPEAN NATIONS LEAGUE   Division B   Tournament in Oslo   -   5-2   1. NOR 5 2. AUT 3 3. HUN 1   -------------------------------------------------   Division C   Tournament in Edinburgh   -   2-4  -   5-4   1. UKR 7 2. SLO 6 3. GBR 5 4. POL 0    -------------------------------------------------   Division D   Tournament in Brasov   -   6-1   1. ROU 6 2. ESP 3 3. LTU 0

I think the reason is that it's generally preferable to have a fast shooter in the 1st leg, and especially in the prone shooting, where Hofer is quite slow.   Now, I'm not saying I agree with the choice, because I don't. I think it's going to neutralize Giacomel's skiing skills in the 1st lap at least.   I guess the idea is to try and set a very fast pace in the 1st leg, which is usually quite tactical, but I'm afraid that's going to force Giacomel to risk too much because he will feel he has to make some time somehow.   Regardless, Italy must be on the podium tomorrow. I think that would be crucial for the following races as well. I think France is the clear favorite, but the other teams are not stronger than Italy on paper.

Preliminary Round February 5th - February 19th, 2026 10 Nations, 2 Groups, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Nations from Group A and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Nations from Group B will qualify for the Quarterfinals   Day 3 Results   Group A Central European Time (GMT +1)   United States  5 - 0    Finland Period-by-Period: 1-0, 3-0, 1-0 February 7th 2026, h. 16:40, Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Milano   Switzerland  0 - 4    Canada Period-by-Period: 0-0, 0-1, 0-3 February 7th 2026, h. 21:10, Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Milano   Group A Provisional Standing After Day 3   Nation P W(OTW) L(OTL) GF GA +/- Pt. United States 2 2(0) 0(0) 10 1 +9 6 Canada 1 1(0) 0(0) 4 0 +4 3 Switzerland 2 1(1) 1(0) 4 7 -3 2 Czechia 2 0(0) 2(1) 4 9 -5 1 Finland 1 0(0) 1(0) 0 5 -5 0   Group B Central European Time (GMT +1)   Germany  5 - 2  Japan Period-by-Period: 3-0, 2-2, 0-0 February 7th 2026, h. 12:10, Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Milano   Sweden  6 - 1  Italy Period-by-Period: 1-0, 3-1, 2-0 February 7th 2026, h. 14:40, Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milano   Group B Provisional Standing After Day 3   Nation P W(OTW) L(OTL) GF GA +/- Pt. Sweden 2 2(0) 0(0) 10 2 +8 6 Germany 2 1(0) 1(0) 6 6 0 3 Japan 2 1(0) 1(0) 5 7 -2 3  Italy 2 1(0) 1(0) 5 7 -2 3 France 2 0(0) 2(0) 3 7 -4 0   Nations Qualified for the Quarterfinals (Partial)   Canada Czechia Finland Switzerland United States