Klæbo with Power Demonstration – Triple Norwegian in Sweden

Originally published in Eurosport on February 14, 2025

Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (28) thundered his way to yet another World Cup victory on the sprint course in Falun, showcasing brilliant form during the trial run ahead of the Ski World Championships. Klæbo, who previously demonstrated his prowess in both the quarterfinals and semifinals by taking first and second place alongside Erik Valnes, firmly established his top status despite recent illness concerns. The victory, achieved in a race where the young Oskar Opstad Vike also played a key role by finishing third, further underscores the strength of the Norwegian team.

In a post-race interview, Klæbo expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that even after an illness and with only seven days of training, he was able to perform at his best. Meanwhile, Erik Valnes remarked on his nearly perfect race, and head coach Arild Monsen praised the team, highlighting a recent series of impressive results including two wins in Italy. The article also recounts how veteran Even Northug, despite a strong start, was ultimately penalized for impeding a competitor, finishing last after jury review. With the World Championships set to begin on 27 February in Granåsen, the Norwegians are looking forward to maintaining their competitive edge on home snow in Trondheim.