Ski de fond: Therese Johaug remporte le Tour de ski pour sa saison de reprise

After resuming her career earlier this season following a two-year break to have her first child, Therese Johaug, a triple Olympic champion, clinched the Tour de Ski title on Sunday, five years after her last victory in this event. She also wins the ascent at Alpe Cermis for the ninth time.

Johaug, a 36-year-old Norwegian, was already leading the Tour's general classification before heading into the final ascent, a course she has conquered eight times previously. She accelerated through the steepest turns, leaving all competitors behind; she crossed the finish line 25.5 seconds ahead of Astrid Slind, and 28 seconds before Heidi Weng.

This win marks Johaug's fourth Tour de Ski title, paralleling her compatriot Johannes Klaebo, who was crowned champion just shortly before her victory.

Alongside her victory, Johaug outperformed her fellow competitors in the general classification, finishing ahead of Slind and American Jessie Diggins, who took third place.

Given the challenges posed by a viral outbreak affecting the French team during the Tour, several athletes, including Flora Dolci and Delphine Claudel, had to withdraw before the final stage. Claudel was notably missed, having excelled in the Alpe Cermis in previous competitions.

This performance reaffirms Johaug's exceptional skill and determination as she progresses through her comeback season in elite skiing.