High-flying Manninen enjoys comeback World Cup win

FOUR-time champion Hannu Manninen struck within sight of home to secure the second Nordic Combined World Cup of the season in Kuusamo.

SMOOTH RETURN: Finland's Hannu Manninen returned to World Cup action with a weekend silver and gold

Manninen started tenth after the ski-jumping and overtook Tino Edelmann just 100 metres from the line in the cross-country skiing to upgrade his second from yesterday's opener.

Last year, the 31-year old former Olympic champion announced his retirement to focus on a second career as an airline pilot.

Now almost qualified, he has returned to the World Cup circuit after a near two-year absence - and it's like he's never been away, as he secured his 46th career win to the delight of the home crowd.

"It's very special after being away from the sport," said Manninen, after moving to the top of the early World Cup standings.

"It's been an amazing weekend to finish first and second. I'm still studying for the pilot exams so I won't compete in every World Cup event but hopefully I will compete at the Olympics in Vancouver next year.

"I've not had much training because I only decided to come back in August.

"I think to compete the whole season would be very tough, so I need to choose my competitions carefully and train hard for the Olympics."

Germany's Edelmann settled for second while team-mate Eric Frenzel completed the podium.

Estonia's Aldo Leetoja led after the ski-jumping followed by Frenzel and France's Jason Lamy Chappuis, the winner of yesterday's season opener.

Lamy Chappuis faded to fifth following the 10km cross country race.