Klaebo Rivals Withdraw from Tour de Ski

The Tour de Ski is facing significant changes as rival competitors Lucas Chanavat of France and Norway's Harald Østberg Amundsen have both been forced to withdraw due to illness. Amundsen was sitting in a strong position, ranked third overall and just 57 seconds behind the leader, Klæbo. Prior to this withdrawal, he had achieved success earlier in the event with victories in two of the first four stages, including the 20km interval start.

As for Chanavat, he was expected to be a strong competitor, having finished as Klæbo's second in the opening sprint of the Tour. His absence leaves a significant gap in the competition, but he is expected to be a formidable contender in the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim later this winter.

The Tour de Ski will continue on Friday with the classic sprint stage, marking the fifth event in this crucial cross-country skiing series. The news regarding Amundsen and Chanavat’s departures marks a pivotal moment in the event's progression, altering the dynamics of the competition significantly.