Lamy-Chappuis makes perfect start to season in Finland

FRANCE'S Jason Lamy-Chappuis has collected victory in the opening Nordic Combined World Cup of the season in Kuusamo, Finland.

QUICK OUT OF THE BLOCKS: France's Lamy-Chappuis claims first Nordic Combined World Cup of season in Kuusamo (Getty Images)

The American-born ace has fond memories of competing in Kuusamo, having captured World Cup gold there in 2006 and he topped the podium again with a winning margin of 8.1 seconds.

Lamy-Chappuis began the competition strongly and leapt out to 142.5 metres for a commanding lead, being the only athlete to break the 140m barrier.

And he was just as dominant in the cross-country discipline, coming home as the clear winner ahead of Finland's Hannu Manninen and Eric Frenzel of Germany.  

It's the 23-year-old's sixth victory on the World Cup circuit and his first since January 2008.

Meanwhile, Manninen will be buoyed by his performance, as the Finn is making a return to competition following an 18-month absence in a bid to finally land an Olympic victory in Vancouver next February.