Riiber is testing ski flying there for the first time on Thursday afternoon. He does so as one of almost 30 trial jumpers ahead of the weekend’s final race in Raw Air.
The combined king does not take the task lightly.
– I have zero experience, so it will simply be exciting. I’m looking forward to it. It’s not just going and jumping on the biggest ski jump in the world when you’ve never done it before, says Riiber to NTB.
The 25-year-old has recently impressed greatly on the show jumping hill. He soars far and is technically better than ever before. In the World Cup, Riiber landed at 147 meters and erased the record in Planica’s big slope by five metres.
Last weekend he was the best mare in both combined races in Holmenkollen.
– It is very nice to be able to take part in ski flying in the form I am in now. Vikersundbakken is large, and there can be short lengths if you get low speed and are not in shape. I gain confidence from the fact that it worked so well in Kollen, says Riiber.
Ski flying may become part of the combined world cup next season. Riiber has stated that he is running as a test jumper to gain some experience.