Klæbo’s Gold Rival Has Fallen Ill Before the World Championships

Iivo Niskanen, one of the key rivals of Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, has become sick just ahead of the World Championships in Granåsen. According to reports, the Finnish skier will drop the skiathlon event and is now racing against the clock to be ready for the other championship events.

In an interview with Ilta Sannomat, Niskanen explained, "On Sunday evening – about eight days ago – while returning from Falun, I already felt a little different than usual, and at the beginning of the week the illness struck." Niskanen, who had recently ended Klæbo’s winning streak by claiming victory in the 10 km classic race in Falun, now faces the prospect of missing one of the major competitions for the first time in his career.

Besides withdrawing from the skiathlon, Niskanen plans to compete in the 10 km classic race on Tuesday, where he is considered a gold favorite. He also has intentions to take part in the team sprint the following day and the relay event afterwards. Earlier in the season, illness forced him to miss the Tour de Ski, adding to a string of unfortunate events over the past three seasons.

The development is a setback for the Finn, who will be watched closely as he struggles to recover in time for the remaining events at the World Championships.