Therese Johaug claimed her fourth Tour de Ski victory in style on Sunday by winning the final stage climb up Mount Cermis, marking her return to the pinnacle of cross-country skiing after taking two years off for retirement. The Norwegian athlete has made her comeback with determination, showcasing her superior skills at the Val di Fiemme venue, which is set to host the skiing competitions during the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Finishing with remarkable dominance, Johaug completed the event with an impressive 47.5 seconds lead over her compatriot Astrid Oeyre Slind. Jessie Diggins, the American skier who won the Tour last year as well as the year before, finished 2:41.3 behind Johaug, highlighting the latter's formidable performance. Diggins had come to the event hoping to maintain her title but was bested this time around.
The atmosphere at Mount Cermis was electric, not just for the fierce competition but also for the presence of crowd favorites. Olympic Alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, supporting Diggins, lent even more star power to the already prestigious event.
Meanwhile, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo also celebrated his fourth victory, solidifying his position as one of the sport's elite athletes. Klaebo finished first, with Mika Vermeulen of Austria trailing at 1:23.1 behind, and Hugo Lapalus of France finishing 1:43.7 behind. Notably, Simen Hegstad Krueger of Norway won the ultimate stage, adding to the excitement of the final day of competition.
Klaebo's success was validation of the dedication he exhibited during the event, where he had to fend off strong competition. The young Norwegian remarked, "I trained hard for this and it feels amazing to be on top again," continuing his legacy of excellence.
Johaug shared similar sentiments, expressing her joy at returning to competitive skiing. "I'm incredibly happy to be back and to win this title again," she declared, reflecting the passion and commitment she has for the sport.
The Tour de Ski not only serves as an individual competition but also continuously emphasizes the strength of Norwegian skiers on the global stage. Johaug and Klaebo's fourth victories are significant, paving the way for their participation at the Milan-Cortina Games. Both have established their status among the elite athletes and are now seen as frontrunners for Olympic glory.
With the next Olympics on the horizon, the competitive spirit shown during the Tour de Ski is indicative of what fans can expect from these talented athletes moving forward. Johaug's strategic comeback and Klaebo's continued success are narrative threads woven through the rich fabric of cross-country skiing.
The Val di Fiemme venue not only celebrates her remarkable achievements but also positions itself as the cradle for future champions as Johaug and Klaebo look forward to competing at the highest levels. Each skiers’ performances throughout the Tour amplify the excitement, stirring anticipation for the Olympics.
Fans of cross-country skiing worldwide will now look to the pair as they prepare for what promises to be another competitive and thrilling Olympic experience. With historic performances behind them, Johaug and Klaebo are undoubtedly two names set to watch during the 2026 games.
The 2025 Tour de Ski, defined by these record-breaking achievements, has left an indelible mark on the sporting community, serving as both a celebration of past excellence and as a harbinger for future success.