Johannes Hösflot Kläbo suffers a heavy defeat – watch the wild reaction of his competitor:

Johannes Hösflot Kläbo suffers a heavy defeat – watch the wild reaction of his competitor: "Crazy race"

Originally published in Yle on December 31, 2024

Harald Östberg Amundsen won the Tour de Ski in a dominating fashion, finishing first in the 20-kilometer freestyle event, reducing Johannes Hösflot Kläbo's overall lead to just 16 seconds. Kläbo, who had a commanding lead earlier in the competition, ended up in fifth place, trailing Amundsen by 46.4 seconds.

Amundsen exuberantly celebrated his win, declaring, "Wow… What a crazy race! It was incredibly tough," to Norway's Viaplay. Kläbo, who had previously excelled in the Tour events, acknowledged the challenging nature of the race, stating, "This type of skiing is the worst fit for me in the whole world."

Finland's top performer, Niko Anttola, finished in 24th place, over a minute and a half behind the leader, describing the race as demanding but manageable. He noted there wasn't a particularly difficult section, yet the continuous effort made it challenging throughout the race.

The competition was unique as the route wound through scenic Dolomite mountain landscapes, making it a striking visual experience for both competitors and spectators. Amundsen showcased impressive form, suggesting that the rivalry between him and Kläbo will be a highlight for the remainder of the Tour.

Throughout the race, many competitors crossed the finish line in groups, despite the 30-second staggered starts, indicating the competitive dynamics as they navigated the continuous uphill and downhill sections of the course.