Athletes on the Nordic Combined World Cup circuit will resume their quest for the overall title following an extended break ©Getty Images

Athletes on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Combined World Cup circuit will resume their quest for the overall title following an extended break at the latest event on the calendar in Val di Fiemme in Italy.

The competition in the Italian resort, due to begin tomorrow and conclude on Sunday (January 14), is the first World Cup in the discipline to be held since the middle of December.

Otepää in Estonia was scheduled to host the fourth event of the season from January 6 to 7 but the competition was cancelled due to warm weather.

It delayed the athletes' return to competition as they continue their preparations for next month's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.

The event in Val di Fiemme includes the first team sprint event of the season, due to take place on Saturday (January 13), with individual competitions due to be held tomorrow and Sunday.

Austrian Bernhard Gruber will also compete for the first time this season after spending the entire campaign so far on the sidelines through appendicitis ©Getty Images
Austrian Bernhard Gruber will also compete for the first time this season after spending the entire campaign so far on the sidelines through appendicitis ©Getty Images

Five-time world champion Jason Lamy-Chappuis of France, the Olympic gold medallist at Vancouver 2010, is set to make his competitive return following injury.

Chappuis had endured a short absence from the sport after suffering a small fracture in his knee.

Austrian world and Olympic champion Bernhard Gruber will also compete for the first time this season after spending the entire campaign so far on the sidelines through appendicitis.

Jan Schmid of Norway is the current overall leader on 333 points, 32 in front of compatriot and nearest challenger Espen Andersen.

Akito Watabe of Japan occupies third place on the standings as he has 284 points.