Eyes on Klaebo, but watch out for rising stars: The men’s World Cup race is wide open

In the men’s race, we can anticipate a far more dynamic and multifaceted competition. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, spearheading the Norwegian team, is flanked by a host of potential podium contenders, creating a formidable and deep pool of talent.

The Beitosprinten event highlighted the high-caliber and competitive nature of Norwegian athletes, showcasing a level of excellence that is both elevated and fiercely divided. The competition’s surprise, 24-year-old Andreas Fjorden Ree, will make his second World Cup appearance thanks to his 4th and 1st place finishes at Beitosprinten. A top 10 finish at Ruka wouldn’t be a shock.

French athlete Hugo Lapalus made a remarkable impact, securing 5th place and disrupting the Norwegian dominance by becoming the only non-Norwegian to break into the top 10.

We can also expect Iivo Niskanen to make notable strides in his performance following the Olos competition, despite his modest remark of his performance. His resilience and potential for improvement suggest that a more competitive showing is likely in the upcoming races.

Text: Sanja Karhunen
Image: Mikko Järvenpää