Norwegian World Championship scare in Cogne: “Surprised at how good a finish I had”

Harald Østberg Amundsen returned to the World Cup circuit in impressive fashion, winning the 10km free technique race in Cogne with a powerful performance. Having not competed internationally since having to break off from the Tour de Ski because of illness, Østberg Amundsen demonstrated that his World Championship form is on the rise.

Viaplay commentator Jørn Sundby remarked during the race, "Look at Østberg Amundsen. He is completely wild right now," as the 26‐year‐old increasingly picked up the pace during the race, ultimately finishing ahead of two teammates. Iver Tildheim Andersen secured second place while Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget finished third.

Reflecting on his performance, Østberg Amundsen said, "I am surprised at how good my finish was. I had energy, and felt much better at altitude today than yesterday. I could just floor it at the end. Then it's fun to ski." He added that while altitude can affect day-to-day form, today was simply fantastic.

In the race, Iver Tildheim Andersen was 11.7 seconds behind the winner and Nyenget finished 15.7 seconds later. Expert commentator Niklas Dyrhaug noted, "Harald truly shows he is back where he belongs. This gives good answers after a long training period." Swedish sprinter Edvin Anger, noted for his sprint race performances, impressed with a solid fourth place finish, and Simen Hegstad Krüger rounded out the top five, finishing 20.3 seconds behind Østberg Amundsen.

In a related development, it was announced that the 10km distance race in Italy is not part of the upcoming World Championship program in Granåsen – with Trondheim hosting the classic style 10km race. World Championship favorite Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has opted out of the Italian race to focus on training at altitude in Switzerland after having to return to Norway due to illness. Consequently, Klæbo will instead participate in the World Cup races in Falun, Sweden, scheduled two weeks from now, ahead of the Championships in Granåsen which begin on February 26.