Klaebo has a chance to make history as he aims for his 100th victory in a FIS World Cup

Sunday’s 20 km freestyle mass start in Ruka promises a show among the expected top contenders. Friday’s results — with Martin Nyenget taking the win ahead of Johannes Klæbo and Mika Vermeulen showed not only depth and speed at the front, but also the potential for a surprise.

Saturday’s classic-technique sprint however showed once again that If Klaebo reaches the final stretch with the leader group, he will be almost impossible to beat.

Klaebo’s plan for getting ready for the 20 km after Saturday’s sprint was straightforward: “Rest and eat well, and hopefully I can perform well tomorrow.”

Within the rest of the Norwegian squad, Jan Thomas Jenssen is always one to watch in a 20 km race. Harald Østberg Amundsen, last year’s 20 km winner in Ruka after narrowly edging out Jenssen last year, is another man worth keeping a close eye on.

A mass start brings its own challenges. With the entire track covered, strategy and positioning become crucial. Finding the right group can save energy, and positioning in the final kilometres is always decisive.

All in all, Sunday has the ingredients for a highly competitive race — and even though it is unlikely, perhaps even a moment of joy for the home crowd if Iivo Niskanen or another Finn can stay with the leading group. The Norwegians remain the clearest favourites, but someone like Austria’s Mika Vermeulen or another dark-horse could certainly bring a surprise if everything falls into place.

It remains to be seen if anyone can break the Norwegian front on Sunday, when the last day of the Ruka World Cup 2025/26 is knocking on the door. The men’s race starts at 10.00 (CET).

Text: Väinö Helenius
Photo: Noora Luukkanen