The Tour de Ski 2024/25 is finally over, and the event has left its mark on the world of cross-country skiing. Among the standout performers was Friedrich Moch, the 24-year-old sensation from WSV Isny, who gave it his all at the final race held at Val di Fiemme. Moch finished third in the mass start over ten kilometers, securing his place as the best German competitor overall.
His impressive finish allowed him to climb to sixth place overall, after what can be described as the toughest multi-stage event on the World Cup circuit. Moch's efforts revealed not only his dedication but also provided hope for the German team which has faced challenges this season.
Another competitor, Janosch Brugger from WSG Schluchsee, faced difficulties of his own. Despite initially being disqualified, he managed to complete the Tour de Ski, finally ending up 44th overall. His performance reflects the intense competition, where even the best athletes can encounter obstacles.
At the end of this grueling event, Moch’s late surge brought jubilation to the German athletes, marking the first podium for Germany during this winter. "It was great to finally show our potential this season," Moch was quoted, capturing the essence of the team’s morale coming out of this competition.
Bundestrainer Peter Schlickenrieder had mixed feelings about the event. He stated, "It was a hard Tour de Ski, like we haven't experienced for quite some time." The courses used during the competition, primarily around Val di Fiemme and Toblach, were described as demanding and challenging for the participants. This year's Tour served as both competition and general rehearsal for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games set for 2026.
Schlickenrieder criticized the difficulty level, remarking, "The demands are clearly too high. There’s FIS regulation limiting the altitude gain, and we were nearly twenty percent over the limit. This 'higher, faster, farther' approach is unnecessary, as, at the end of the day, the best athletes will prevail regardless of the challenges presented.” His sentiments were echoed by other coaches, including Per Nilsson, the women's team coach, who noted challenges with the course particularly for female competitors.
Highlighting the competition’s severity, only 58 out of 100 men's participants completed the entire Tour, whereas the women's division saw just 31 finishers from the original 67 competitors—a clear indicator of the races' toll on the athletes.
Despite the struggles faced by many, athletes like Moch remained undeterred. He viewed his success as not just personal, but beneficial for his team as well. Schlickenrieder commented, “This is our first podium of this young season. It’s encouraging to everyone, showing what we are capable of achieving. Perhaps this is what we needed to break the ice for all our athletes.”
Victoria Carl, among the female competitors, stood out, achieving her best result ever with eighth place overall. Her determination and hard work paid off, especially as she held off Finnish competitor Krista Parmakoski by just a second. Other athletes on the women's side, such as Pia Fink and the young Helen Hoffmann, also delivered commendable performances, with Hoffmann achieving her personal best at 22nd place overall.
Peter Schlickenrieder expressed overall satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the importance of the data gathered from this year’s Tour de Ski: "Everyone can now look forward to recovery and we head straight for our next challenge— the Nordic Ski World Championship in Trondheim at the end of February." His optimism is shared throughout the team as they aim for the Olympics.
While the individual performances are noteworthy, the team’s collective spirit was equally significant. The contrasting reactions from coaches and athletes highlight the expectations and experiences within the demanding framework of elite sports. The Tour de Ski has certainly presented valuable lessons, setting precedence for future competitions, especially with the Olympic season approaching.
The Tour de Ski can be seen as more than just another competition. It's a showcase of resilience, talent, and the spirit of various national teams battling it out on challenging courses. With the performances noted down, the anticipation for the next major events builds. The contributions from athletes like Moch and Carl remind everyone of the drive and commitment necessary to excel.