Johannes Kläbo can only keep trying.
Norwegian skiing miracle Johannes Kläbo admitted the facts honestly.
– Iivo Niskanen was really strong, too good in the last three to four kilometers.
– I’m not at all surprised. We saw Iivo in good shape at the Olympics, and it doesn’t go away so quickly in a week. He is the best skier in the world in the traditional way at 15 kilometers, Kläbo estimates at the Salpausselä ski stadium.
The 15-kilometer interim start race in Salppur was Niskanen’s show. Kläbo bent for 17 seconds.
– You have to keep trying. Maybe we’ll beat him one day, the Norwegian grinned.
The Beijing sprint gold medalist assured himself that he was strong – at least physically.
– It may be more about mental fatigue. After the race contract, you may feel like you need a vacation. I still enjoy competing in the World Cup especially now that the corona situation has eased.
Ear mat
Johannes Kläbo (left) admitted the facts: Iivo Niskanen was the clear number one of the day. Kimmo Brandt / EPA / AOP
Especially Sunday was a success for Salpausselä. A sunny day and a suitable frosty day attracted thousands of pairs of eyes.
There was also enough crowd along the ski trail, and Kläbo noticed it.
– I have dreams for the week starting from Iivo, because the audience just shouted his name all over the track, Kläbo joked.
No wonder, as the Norwegian and Finnish stars ski two laps together. Kläno, who raced with the last starting number, started when Niskanen finished his first lap.
– We had good cooperation during the rounds. We took turns taking the lead.
Kläbo was able to win Niskanen in the Val di Fiemme joint start race by 15 kilometers this season. In a week, the dominance of the real royal voyage will be decided in the fifties of Holmenkollen.
– Of course I try to win, but let’s see, Kläbo left with a laugh.
Iivo Niskanen and Johannes Kläbo skied two laps in Salpausselä. Kimmo Brandt / EPA / AOP