The quartet of Bjoern Kircheisen, Eric Frenzel, Fabian Riessle and Johannes Rydzek clocked an overall time of 49 minutes 34.9 seconds to take the win by 31.5secs from Norway’s Mikko Kokslien, Espen Andersen, Haavard Klemetsen and Joergen Graabak.

Austria’s David Pommer, Mario Seidl, Wilhelm Denifl and Philipp Orter came home 1:23.7 behind Germany to round out the podium.

All four Germans produced solid performances in the jumping round to put the team into pole position for the race by 13secs.

Frenzel won his group with 98 metres and 128.9 points, while Riessle and Rydzek were second with respective jumps of 101.5m and 95m for totals of 127.9 and 121.4.

Kircheisen top scored with his 99.5m and 129.8 points, ensuring 508 overall and a narrow advantage over Austria.

Germany were never troubled on the track, with starting skier Kircheisen picking up the pace from the first lap and increasing the distance to Austrian youngster Pommer from the outset. 

Kokslien brought Norway into third position before team-mate Andersen continued the positive trend and closed the gap from the second Austrian skier, Seidl.

With Andersen establishing a lead at the end of his lap, Klemetsen went on to extend it and worked successfully on securing the silver medal that Graabak sealed.

Germany lead the Nations Cup standings with 946 points, followed by Austria on 697 and Norway on 504.

Action in Lillehammer is due to continue tomorrow with the men's Gundersen event.