Can Klaebo hold off rival skiers in the 20 kilometer Mass Start?

The men are set to begin the final race of the competition, the 20-kilometer freestyle mass start. Norway has traditionally dominated these races, and there is no reason to expect anything different this time. 

At the forefront of Norway’s strong team, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo will be fighting for the win alongside Martin Loewstroem Nyenget, Harald Oestberg Amundsen, and Simen Hegstad Krueger. Amundsen and Krueger, in particular, are especially strong in freestyle.

In the freestyle event, French skier Hugo Lapalus, Italian Federico Pellegrino, and Austrian Mika Vermeulen are also potential contenders for a strong finish. Lapalus was already impressive in Friday’s race and is expected to perform even better in freestyle. Pellegrino, meanwhile, demonstrated his strength in the 10-kilometer freestyle event in Olos, where he claimed victory. 

From Finland, Iivo Niskanen, the winner of Friday’s race, will take to the course. Known for his dominance in classic technique, Niskanen has shown promising form, which suggests he could also perform well in freestyle. 

The nature of the race will influence who emerges at the top. A more tactical race will favor the sprinters, while Klaebo, who has developed into an excellent long-distance skier, will be a formidable opponent. If he reaches the final stretch with the leaders, he will be very difficult to beat.

Text: Sanja
Photo: Teemu Moisio