Skiathlon - Strong! Vermeulen Finishes Fifth in Second Last Tour Race

Originally published in Krone on January 04, 2025

Mika Vermeulen

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Mika Vermeulen has shown impressive form in the skiathlon (10 km classic/10 km skating) at the Tour de Ski, finishing fifth in the penultimate race.

He remained at the front of a large leading group for a significant portion of the race, even leading until about kilometer 19.4. However, it was the Norwegian Johannes Høsflot Klæbo who crossed the finish line first, 2.4 seconds ahead of Federico Pellegrino from Italy. Vermeulen was just 5.1 seconds behind the winner and now sits third overall in the standings.

Klæbo celebrated his 91st World Cup victory, while Vermeulen is currently tied with Norwegian Haavard Moseby in third position. The overall standings will be decided on Sunday with the climb to Alpe Cermis, where the women’s race is set to start at 15:30 with Teresa Stadlober leading the charge.