On the penultimate stage in Val di Fiemme, Italy, a preliminary decision seems to have been made in the fight for victory at this year’s Tor de Ski: Over the 15 kilometers in classic style, overall leader Klaebo showed no weakness and took the lead in 41: 31.2 minutes 46th World Cup victory of his career, with which he drew level with his compatriot, the great Björn Daehlie.
The Finn Iivo Niskanen (+ 20.8 seconds), who was the only runner who could keep up with Klaebo for a long time, saved himself in second place from the Russian Alexej Chervotkin (+ 23.7).
Bolshunov beaten – deficit increased
On the penultimate lap, Klaebo initially used an intermediate sprint with Niskanen to get ahead of the pursuers – including his biggest competitor for overall victory and last year’s winner Alexander Bolshunov (Russia). Little by little and apparently effortlessly, Klaebo shook off Niskanen on the last lap and in the end ran his very own, lonely race to victory.
Moch and Brugger just fail to make it to the top 15
And the Germans? For a long time it was Friedrich Moch who raised hopes for a top 15 place. The 21-year-old from Isny showed a brave race and at least stayed with the pursuers for a long time. Towards the end, however, he ran out of breath. In the final sprint he had to just let his team mate Janosch Brugger (Schluchsee / + 1: 37.2 minutes), who was 18th, go ahead (+ 1: 38.8). Lucas Bögl (Gaißach) was 20th, Albert Kuchler (Lam) was 25th.
The decision about overall victory will be made on Tuesday when the “Final Climb” on the legendary Alpe Cermis is due.
Daehlie record set – only Northug has more tour-de-ski victories
With his 46th World Cup victory, three-time Olympic champion Klaebo made cross-country history. While Dählie was already 31 years old when he reached this mark in March 1999, Klaebo is just 25. For the Norwegian it was also the fourth victory on the fifth stage of this year’s Tour de Ski. All in all he is now with twelve stage wins, only the Norwegian Petter Northug (14) has more.