Slind Knocked Out: Johaug Holds All the Cards

Slind Knocked Out: Johaug Holds All the Cards

Therese Johaug took her place in the next round after the sprint prologue at the Tour de Ski, but it was the end of the line for her nearest competitor, Astrid Øyre Slind.

Johaug competed in the first heat of the quarter-finals where she finished fourth, hoping that her time would be good enough to advance as a "lucky loser."

However, it was not to be. Caterina Ganz and Victoria Carl made it through with better times from the next heat.

Johaug opined, "I am very satisfied with my performance. I felt good. A few seconds here and there matter, and it’s nice to take them with me," after the quarter-finals, as reported by NTB.

Before the sprint, Johaug was positioned second in the overall standings, six seconds behind Slind. Unfortunately, Slind was unable to extend her lead and also got knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Commentator Jørn Sundby remarked that this was likely Slind's best chance to challenge Johaug in the overall standings. Johaug is now in a strong position as the tournament approaches its final stages, aiming for a significant number of bonus seconds in the concluding races.