Cross-country skier Laura Gimmler narrowly missed the podium in the Tour de Ski sprint in Val di Fiemme. The Oberstdorf native was the only German to finish fifth in the final. The victory went to the Swiss Nadine Fähndrich. In the men’s category, Johannes Klaebo extended his lead in the overall World Cup.
In the end, Laura Gimmler ran out of steam on the 1.25 kilometer long lap in Val di Fiemme. The 31-year-old from Oberstdorf came fifth in the final (+1.03 seconds). The victory went to the Swiss Nadine Fähndrich (2:57.63 minutes) ahead of Linn Swahn from Sweden (+0.04 seconds) and the Norwegian Heidi Weng (+0.53 seconds).
Gimmler misses the podium: “It hurts”
“It was a huge opportunity that I saw today and I also felt good and I’m a little disappointed with how it went” Gimmler argued at the ARD microphone, but also admitted: “Of course it’s my own fault, that’s clear.“
She recognized her mistakes especially in the semi-finals and finals, “That I didn’t have my own track. In the final I should have started the descent one position better“.Total do it”I’m just sorry I missed it today. I hope I can find a new opportunity soon.“
Photo finish brings Gimmler into the final
Laura Gimmler was the only German who made it to the semi-finals. There she benefited from being represented in the faster race. First, the Oberstdorfer won the photo finish against the Norwegian Lotta Undes Weng and moved to third place in the preliminary round.
About the “Lucky loser“-rating she then moved into the final. Weng also qualified for it. For Gimmler it was the first final participation this winter, the third for the German Ski Association (DSV).
Carl fails in the quarterfinals
Victoria Carl was eliminated in the quarterfinals. The 29-year-old, who had recently shown improving form and was the best German in the Tour standings in seventh place, clearly missed the semi-finals. Afterwards she wasn’t too disappointed.
“I’m saving some energy for tomorrow. I improved tremendously in the prologue and that shows that I need the intensity and that makes me look positively forward to tomorrow” said Carl on ARD.
National coach Schlickrieder: Successful Olympic dress rehearsal
The other Germans also failed in the round of the last eight. Katherine Sauerbrey and Pia Fink did not make it to the semi-finals. It was still a success for Sauerbrey, as she placed in the top 30 for the second time in her career.
“We’re within striking distance. So everything we take away from this is very positive“, national coach Peter Schlickerieder gave a satisfied conclusion on ARD and was already looking ahead to the Olympics next year. The Olympic competitions will take place on the track in Val di Fiemme: “We still have a good year left and we need to train now.“
Klaebo extends his lead in the tour
In the men’s category, the only German participant, Janosch Brugger, finished in the quarter-finals. He clearly missed this in sixth place in his run.
The Norwegians once again made the music. Johannes Klaebo won the sprint (2:35.45 minutes) ahead of his compatriot Even Northug (+0.32 seconds) and further extended his lead in the overall standings. The Swede Marcus Grate came third (+0.64 seconds).