Norway's Jørgen Graabak produced a superb jumping and skiing performance as he clinched a dominant victory ©Getty Images

Norway's Jørgen Graabak produced a superb jumping and skiing performance as he clinched a dominant victory at the International Ski Federation Nordic Combined World Cup in Val di Fiemme.

Graabak earned his first win of the season as he crossed the line 18.3 seconds ahead of Germany's Johannes Rydzek.

The German, a double Olympic medallist and multiple world champion, edged out Austria's Lukas Klapfer in a thrilling sprint finish to take silver.

Klapfer was forced to settle for the bronze medal as he finished 0.1 seconds behind Rydzek.

Current overall leader Jan Schmid, of Norway, was fourth.

But the plaudits belonged to Graabak, who described the event as "maybe my best competition ever" after his deserved triumph was confirmed.

Germany's Johannes Rydzek finished second as he continues his attempt to usurp overall leader Jan Schmid of Norway ©Getty Images
Germany's Johannes Rydzek finished second as he continues his attempt to usurp overall leader Jan Schmid of Norway ©Getty Images

"It is maybe my favourite place to compete and it was another good day for me here," the Norwegian said.

"I had a good day on the hill and in the skiing.

"My skis, my body and my mind worked perfectly and it was a solid performance for me.

"It is a great start to 2018 for me."

Schmid remains the one to beat in the battle for the overall title as he currently has a total of 383 points.

Rydzek managed to cut the deficit in second place and now trails by 26, while Schmid's compatriot Espen Andersen occupies third on 341 points.

The competition in Val di Fiemme, the first to be held this year following the cancellation of the event in Otepää in Estonia, continues tomorrow.