Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Nordic Combined Preview

Only nine days remaining until the opening ceremonies (eight until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Nordic combined preview.

Per FIS quota, 15 countries will have at least one quota for the men's-only Nordic combined event at Sochi.

At Vancouver 2010, marked the inaugural events for the then-new 10km normal and large hill events, where Jason Lamy Chappuis (France) and Bill Demong (United States) were the inaugural winners of their respected events. The 4x5km team relay event also boosted two multiple winners in Japan (Albertville 1992 and Lillehammer 1994) and Austria (Turin 2006 and Vancouver).

Felix Gottwald (Austria), Samppa Lajunen (Finland) and Ulrich Wehling (German Democratic Republic) are tied for the most individual gold in this event with three a piece.

The RusSki Gorki Jumping Center (pictured, above) is the Nordic combined venue for Sochi.

Up next: ski jumping preview