Beitostølen | Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Ane Appelkvist Stenseth with superior victories: – Totally magical

Beitostølen | Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Ane Appelkvist Stenseth with superior victories: – Totally magical

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (28) and Ane Appelkvist Stenseth (29) both won decisively during Friday's sprints at Beitostølen. The major drama on Friday occurred in the first semifinal for the men.

Klokkeklar Klæbo: – There is no one who cares

After winning the prologue at Beitostølen, Klæbo admitted that his goal was simply to reach the final.

• It was slow, he commented.

But it was likely a show just for appearances from the Trondheim native, who proved to be the best racer throughout the day.

In the final, he beat Erik Valnes by a good margin.

– I felt the best in the final, Klæbo told NRK after his victory in the opening race.

Bouncing back after being dropped

Ane Appelkvist Stenseth was best from the first pole during today’s season opener at Beitostølen. The Trondheim racer won the prologue and easily made it to the final. In the final, the 29-year-old, who lost her national team spot before the season, was in a league of her own, winning by a considerable margin.

– This is amazing skiing. She outclasses the competitors, said NRK commentator Jann Post.

– It’s truly magical. I’ve received a lot of good feedback, but you never know until you compete. The training went well, and it's satisfying to showcase that on the first opportunity, said the day's winner about bouncing back after losing her national spot.

Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs took second place after a closely fought duel with national team friend Tiril Udnes Weng.

Crash in the finish

There was drama in the first of the men’s semifinals. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo had full control nearing the finish, but behind him, three men were battling for the last final spot.

Aleksander Holmboe managed a few meters before the finish and faced-planted. He dragged down Amund August Korsæth with him.

The latter was writhing in pain after the crash, holding his shoulder. He received medical attention on the finish line and was escorted out of the area with his arm held high.

– I’ve never seen anything like it. It was a pity for those two guys, commented NRK expert Martin Johnsrud Sundby.

– Holmboe was so stiff that he just fell flat on his face, said commentator partner Jann Post.

Shoulder dislocation

Holmboe himself felt embarrassed about the fall.

– It must be a combination of a lot of lactic acid and a lot of will. It’s embarrassing, sad, and unfortunate, Holmboe told NRK.

Korsæth told NRK that he had dislocated his shoulder.

– I had to go straight into the medical tent and try to get my shoulder back in place. It was quite uncomfortable. Considering everything, I’m fine, said Korsæth, who is very disappointed after the fall.

He had a goal of qualifying for the World Cup team in Ruka next weekend.

On Saturday, a 10-kilometer classic race will be held at Beitostølen, followed by the same distance in freestyle the next day.

The World Cup starts in Finnish Ruka next Friday. The season's main highlight will be the World Championship in Granåsen in February and March.