Astrid Øyre Slind captured the lead of the 2024/25 Tour de Ski following her remarkable performance on January 1, 2025, finishing first at the 15km classic pursuit stage held at Toblach, Italy. This victory marked her second consecutive stage win, dramatically shifting the standings and increasing the pressure on her rivals.
Slind, who took the lead early on, was soon joined by Norway's Therese Johaug. The duo cooperatively built up a significant gap over the chasing pack, which included Jessie Diggins, who had contended for the overall lead prior to this race. By the end of the race, Diggins was trailing by over two minutes, dropping her from first to fourth overall.
"This is a breakthrough season for Slind, who has never previously topped the podium after 16 years on the World Cup circuit, but now has three wins within three weeks," noted experts following her recent success. Slind famously outsprinted Johaug at the finish line, crossing it at 38:39.9, just fractions of seconds before her countrywoman. Johaug finished closely behind with 38:40.1.
The stage not only saw Slind’s two-win streak but also highlighted the foreboding challenge Jessie Diggins now faces. Once the leader, Diggins is now chasing her rivals up the standings. Having started the event as the best sprinter, she fell significantly behind during the tough uphill segments of the 15km, finishing the race with over two minutes lost to Slind.
Diggins expressed her disappointment and resolve for the upcoming classic sprint planned for Val di Fiemme. "I will work hard to regain my form and aim for the top places again," she stated, acknowledging her current challenges. Despite her struggles, Diggins remains hopeful and plans to use her sprinting prowess to leap back up the overall leaderboard.
Meanwhile, on the men's side, reigning champion Harald Østberg Amundsen managed to seize victory on the same day, though he lost some time to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who remains firmly at the top of the men’s overall standings. Amundsen finished the race with a time of 35:18.9, securing his eighth career win. Despite his strong performance, he is now at risk, as Klæbo leads by 36 seconds, leaving Amundsen to fend off rising competition.
Edvin Anger of Sweden also made his mark, placing second and positioning himself closely behind Klæbo. His finish at 35:21.4 shows promise, keeping the competition heated as the final stages of the Tour approach. The stakes are rising as Val di Fiemme gears up for the last three races of this epic competition.
Slind’s victories and the overall combat between skiers continue to showcase the depth of talent present. The 2024/25 Tour de Ski, already proving exhilarating, has left spectators eager for the classic sprint, where Slind, Johaug, and Diggins will have another chance to show their skills.
While many eyes are on the Norwegians leading the women’s standings, attention toward Diggins' remarkable comeback attempts is equally captivating. Observers are eager to see how the American skier responds after suffering such significant time loss.
With upcoming races set to take place at the iconic Monte Bondone course and thrills expected as the athletes tackle demanding terrain, followers of the Tour de Ski are bracing for what could become one of the most exciting finishes yet.
Overall, the stage results position Slind and Johaug firmly for the final races, potentially setting up a thrilling showdown for the championship against their competitors. The excitement remains palpable as they head toward the Alpe Cermis climb and the close of the tournament.