Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo continues to dominate. Today he won the skiathlon at Lugnet:
— Two victories here in Falun this weekend feel like a huge bonus to me, says Klaebo.
The men’s 20-kilometre skiathlon was fast-paced from virtually the start. A group of six skiers broke away, with Martin Loewstroem Nyenget doing most of the pace-setting.
— I was prepared for him to race like that. Martin pushed hard at the Olympics and he did it again today. I had to fight to keep up, says Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo modestly.
But he managed to stay with the group all the way, and heading into the finishing straight Klaebo shifted into top gear and secured yet another victory.
This means Klaebo has won every race he has competed in since the final climb of the Tour de Ski on January 4:
— It will be hard to top these past few weeks. I had some absolutely fantastic days at the Olympics. Then I had to battle through this week, so I’m very happy to leave here with two victories. It’s been great days and I see my performances here in Falun as a real bonus, says Klaebo.
Harald Oestberg Amundsen finished second:
— It was a tough race considering Martin pushed so hard from the start. I struggled physically during the Olympics. That’s why it was really nice to feel that my body was back again, says Amundsen, who achieved his best individual World Cup result in Falun with second place (he has previously finished third at Lugnet three times).
— It’s a tough and intense course that suits me well. I’m really looking forward to the World Championships here next year. When there’s as much crowd support as there was during Saturday’s sprint, I’m convinced Falun will deliver a true cauldron atmosphere for the World Championships. It’s going to be fun, says Amundsen.
The attacking Martin Loewstroem Nyenget finished third. The best-placed Swede was Johan Ekberg in fifteenth.
There is still a chance to come to Lugnet to experience the drama. The women’s skiathlon starts at 16:05.
Tickets are available at falun2027.com, in the Falun2027 app, and at the arena.
Photo: Nordic Focus