Jessie Diggins won the first stage of the Tour de Ski today in Toblach, Italy. The prestigious annual multi-stage cross-country skiing event, modeled after cycling’s Tour de France, began with excitement as Diggins clinched victory in the women’s 1.4km freestyle sprint, marking the opening stage of the 2024-25 season.
The victory was particularly important for Diggins, who admitted, "This was a huge surprise!" Making her triumph even sweeter, the three-time Olympic medalist reflected on her longstanding relationship with the Toblach venue, where she earned her first career podium back in 2016. Her emotional return to the top stands as her first World Cup sprint victory since 2021, and she was visibly elated at the finish line.
Diggins showcased her tactical prowess by overtaking Finland’s Jasmi Joensuu by just 0.31 seconds right before the finish. Nadine Faehndrich from Switzerland secured third place, significantly contributing to the competitive atmosphere of the race. "It was so fun to be here, we had amazing fans, amazing skis! Toblach is so special," Diggins remarked, capturing the spirit of the event.
For the men’s event, Johannes Høsflot Klaebo of Norway dominated the competition, finishing first after narrowly edging out Lucas Chanavat from France. Klaebo, who missed last season’s Tour due to illness, expressed his excitement about returning, stating, "It’s good to be back here in Toblach." His performance not only set the tone for the Tour but also put him on course to compete for his fourth overall Tour de Ski victory.
Ben Ogden, representing the USA, had an impressive sixth-place finish, demonstrating resilience even after breaking his pole during the race. "Most proud of my confidence today," he said. The early stages of the Tour de Ski have showcased the depth of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, with eight athletes qualifying for the sprint heats, leading to 80% of their participants ranking within the top 30.
While Diggins took home the women’s sprint leader bib and the overall leader bib, she heads confidently toward the next stage of the Tour. Following the thrilling sprint, the anticipation builds for the upcoming 15km classic mass start scheduled for Sunday, December 29, 2024. The women’s event will begin at 12:30 CET, followed by the men’s at 14:45 CET.
The Tour de Ski, part of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup calendar, continues to attract elite participation. The stakes of this year’s Tour have heightened, especially with major names such as Therese Johaug and Ebba Andersson failing to qualify for the sprint heats, thereby impacting competitive dynamics. The long series of races running from December 28, 2024, to January 5, 2025, promises more nail-biting moments as skiers vie for the prestigious title.
On the men’s side, Klaebo expressed excitement, acknowledging the unpredictability of the Toblach course. He stated, "It’s always good to get a good start, and I feel like the track here is really difficult." The competitors navigated challenging turns and tactical elements throughout their sprints, with Ogden's incident serving as another reminder of the race's unpredictable nature.
Despite the ups and downs, the Tour de Ski remains one of the premier events on the FIS World Cup calendar, attracting a strong field even during this World Championships year. The excitement continues as racers prepare for another round of tests, with eagerness bubbling for the classic mass start format.
Fans and participants alike are gearing up for the next stages, showcasing determination and resilience through the various challenges laid before them. The energy and community around the Tour de Ski, marked by passionate spectators and dedicated athletes, heighten the event's appeal. With Diggins leading the charge for the U.S. team, the upcoming races are sure to draw significant attention and spirited competition.