Erik Valnes Continues Winning by Claiming Victory in Oberhof's 20 km Classic

Erik Valnes Continues Winning by Claiming Victory in Oberhof's 20 km Classic

Originally published in L'Équipe on January 20, 2024

Erik Valnes was remarkable once again, securing a win in the 20 km classic mass start at Oberhof, Germany. This follows his sprint victory just a day prior, showcasing his impressive form. In the mass start, he outpaced fellow Norwegians Martin Nyenget and Paal Golberg, who took second and third place respectively, highlighting Norway's dominance in cross-country skiing.

The race saw a tight finish with Valnes crossing the line ahead of Nyenget by only 0.9 seconds. Golberg secured his place only slightly behind them. Despite expectations, notable competitors like Johannes Klaebo and Harald Amundsen did not perform as anticipated, ending in 17th and 14th place respectively.

Valnes's performance put him firmly at the front during the last stretch of the race, while the French contender Hugo Lapalus managed to maintain a place within the leading pack, finishing in 13th. This event not only reinforces Valnes's growing prowess in the sport but also reflects the competitive nature of this season's cross-country skiing events.