Olympic champion Katharina Hennig has ensured the first World Cup victory for a German cross-country skier since 2009. On the penultimate stage of the Tour de Ski, the 26-year-old won her “favorite race” over 15 kilometers in classic style ahead of Swede Frida Karlsson. Most recently, Claudia Nystad had won a German individual victory over 2.5 kilometers in Falun.
“I’m just blissful that it worked out today”said the Saxon, who was on the podium for the sixth time in her career – for the third time in Val di Fiemme: “It was very tough, but I felt really good physically. I’m just happy, it’s good for all of us.”
Hennig is the first German runner to get a top five result
The 26-year-old is fourth in the overall standings for the last race of the tour on Sunday. For the final ascent to Alpe Cernis, she wants to scrape the last grains together. In the history of the Tour, no German runner has achieved a top five result in the final.
“What Katharina showed today was unique”, said national coach Peter Schlickenrieder. Hennig delivered a masterly tactical performance in particular. “She didn’t take first place on the last mountain, even though she could have done it. When you learn so quickly, it’s great.”according to Schlickenrieder.
Tactically clever to success
Hennig had run the race in the leading group with the Swede Frida Karlsson, who was the leader in the overall standings. With 1.1 kilometers to go, the 26-year-old was second behind Kerttu Niskanen and ahead of Karlsson on course for the podium. In fourth place, Rosie Brennan got involved in the distribution of the podium places.
In the leading group, victory should be decided in the sprint to the finish. And Hennig won it sensationally, in front of her family, by the way: “It was super cool that the whole family was standing at the side of the track, especially after the two Corona years without spectators”said Hennig.
Karlsson consolidated her lead in the overall standings with second place. Niskannen was third. The good DSV result was rounded off by Laura Gimmler and Pia Fink in 14th and 15th place.