Men will go head to head in the 10km Interval Start Classic - first steps to earn the pass to the olympic´s

The Ruka World Cup is the first benchmark of the season for cross-country skiers to see and show where their form stands at the start of the winter. This Friday on 28th of November, the 10-kilometer interval-start races in the classic technique are going to kick off the weekend. In the men’s start, Norway will enter the competition as well as the whole new season being the favourites.

The upcoming weekend is expected to be difficult when talking about maintenance, as weather conditions will drop close to zero on the day of the start. 

On Friday, and throughout the entire upcoming weekend in Ruka, the man everyone is chasing needs no introduction. With five Olympic gold medals, five overall World Cup titles, and an astounding 98 World Cup victories to his name, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo shows no signs of easing up. After sweeping all six events in Trondheim earlier this year, he enters Friday as the favourite along with his fellow-countryman Harald Østberg Amundsen.

When talking about Norway, another big favourite for the 10km interval-start is Erik Valnes, who among his other achievements has 20 world cup podiums to his name. 

Norway’s biggest loss will be the four time Olympic medallist Simen Hegstad Kruger, as he will not travel to Ruka because of an illness. Krüger is replaced in the Norwegian team by Edvard Sandvik. 

Another Northern powerhouse Sweden will have trouble breaking the Norwegian front, especially with the absence of William Poromaa, Calle Halfvarsson, Marcus Grate and Jens Burman. However, Sweden’s Edvin Anger, who finished second overall last season, says he’s in his best shape yet. The 23-year old might even be able to challenge Johannes Klæbo on his day. Also, Sweden’s 19-year-old talent Alvar Myhlbäck impressed the selectors in the Swedish premiere in Gällivare last weekend and will get the opportunity to show his abilities this weekend in Ruka.

Host nation of the weekend Finland doesn’t have the highest hopes when looking at Friday either. Iivo Niskanen has suffered from injuries, and the peak of his performance has been rather believed to be when it matters the most next year in Milano Cortena. Last weekend showed some hope for Ristomatti Hakola in the Finnish cup, as he finished first.

Looking at countries outside of North Europe, Italy’s Federico Pellegrino will be a one to watch. The 35-year-old legend will be Italy’s hope to challenge for the podium, as he makes his last races as a professional skier.

On Friday, at exactly 13.15 (CET) the first steps on the road to earn the crystal ball will take place.

Text: Väinö Helenius