Cross-country skier Friedrich Moch caused a sensation on the penultimate stage of the Tour de Ski. In Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s next victory, the 24-year-old came sixth in the skiathlon on Saturday (January 4th, 2025).
After ten kilometers in the classic and ten kilometers in the skate technique, Moch finished the race in Val di Fiemme 5.2 seconds behind the day’s winner Klaebo. “He really did a great job“, praised national coach Peter Schlickenrieder in the Sportschau interview.”He got the most out of it, it was really well done, that can only be praised. This is the step you need.“
It was Klaebo’s fourth victory in the Tour de Ski. The 28-year-old Norwegian is also expanding his lead in the overall standings. “He is an artist on skis and has a tactical understanding like no other” said Schlickenrieder.
Moch missed the podium in the finish sprint
Moch stayed in the leading group throughout the race and had his sights on the podium until the end. In the final sprint, however, he had to give way, among others, to Federico Pellegrino (Italy/+2.4 seconds) and Jan Thomas Jenssen (Norway/+3.9). “This morning I briefly thought I was getting sick – my throat was dry and I didn’t know what to do. Therefore I am very satisfied” said Mochm
The other two German starters had nothing to do with the outcome of the race and finished behind: Janosch Brugger was 41st (+2:49.8 minutes), Anian Sossau 50th (+4:18.3).
We were in the lead at half time
After recent convincing performances in the distance races, Moch had to make up more ground in the overall standings on the penultimate stage. While Klaebo set the pace at the front at the beginning, Moch stayed right behind in the slipstream and didn’t let a fall by Norwegian Simen Hegstad Krüger upset him.
After five kilometers the field slowly but surely separated. Moch, who had started the race slightly injured, continued to run at the front and even led the field by a narrow margin after changing skis, ahead of Mika Vermeulen and Klaebo.
Klaebo picks up on the last climb
Moch also presented himself in strong form in his skating technique. After 15 kilometers, a dozen runners had broken away from the rest of the field. Right in the middle: the 24-year-old German, who was still hoping for his first podium this winter.
Two kilometers from the finish, Moch was still in third place, only 1.4 seconds behind the leader Vermeulen. The Austrian increased the pace again together with Klaebo. However, it was the Norwegian who left the competition behind on the last climb and was able to celebrate his 91st World Cup victory. Moch, on the other hand, narrowly missed the podium and took sixth place.
Overall ranking: Klaebo extends lead, Moch with top 10 chances
Before the skiathlon, Klaebo had already won the mass start in Dobbiaco and the two sprint competitions. His worst opponent, defending champion Harald Östberg Amundsen, is no longer there. The overall World Cup winner from Norway dropped out after the fourth stage due to poor health. He had previously defeated Klaebo in the individual over 20 km and in the subsequent pursuit.
The tour traditionally ends with the mass starts on Sunday with the infamous final climb on the “Olimpia III” downhill route up to Alpe Cermis. Before the final stage, Klaebo was already 2:18 minutes ahead of compatriot Erik Valnes in the overall standings.
Moch, who took second place on the Tour last year with a sensational performance in the last race, is now in twelfth place in the overall ranking. “The top 10 can be there tomorrow, I’ll try to attack” Moch announced.