The 2024 Tour de Ski has emerged as one of the most thrilling competitions of the season, with leading athletes showcasing their remarkable talents on the slopes of Val di Fiemme, Italy. Among the frontrunners, Norwegian cross-country skier Therese Johaug has made headlines as she approaches yet another overall victory, accompanied by her impressive record of stage wins.
Last Saturday, Johaug captured her 15th stage victory during the current Tour, solidifying her standing as the female athlete with the most stage wins ever. This remarkable achievement surpasses Justyna Kowalczyk's record of 14 stage victories. Johaug's series of impressive performances has placed her firmly at the top of the rankings, with only one final stage remaining.
After her exhilarating victory, Johaug expressed her delight, stating, "It was very good to get the first stage win. I am a little old and slow, so I have to get going." Her prowess was evident as she surged past her competitors during the skiathlon distance event, crossing the finish line 22 seconds before Astrid Øyre Slind and 1 minute and 47 seconds ahead of Jessica Diggins, who is currently ranked third overall.
Looking to the final race on Sunday, Johaug remains confident. She previously commented on her affinity for the challenging slope of Alpe Cermis, saying, "Historically, this has been a race suited to me. I have loved the monster hill since the first time I skied up it. I’m very excited for Sunday. It’s special to me and I’ve always been good at these uphill challenges throughout my career.”
Meanwhile, on the men's side, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is poised to cement his legacy with another Tour de Ski victory. Having previously won the Tour overall in 2019, 2022, and 2023, Klæbo has maintained his grip on the current Tour, leading the standings comfortably with substantial margins over his closest competitors, Erik Valnes and Håvard Moseby.
When asked about his strategy leading up to the final climb, Klæbo revealed his approach, noting, "I need to make it to the top, but I'll do everything right tonight to avoid losing my lead." With 2 minutes and 18 seconds already established over Valnes, Klæbo's focus is on holding his ground, especially as he acknowledges the unpredictability of competitive skiing.
Adding to the excitement, Klæbo’s triumphant run this year has secured his position as the leader of the overall World Cup standings. His remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, particularly with his solid performances, including two national victories earlier this season, followed by his stunning success on the 6th stage. Klæbo expressed satisfaction with his training and performance, indicating his recovery from previous illness had allowed for smoother training sessions. "Training helps, and it’s clear I’ve responded well over the past month,” he stated.
Johaug, reflecting on her experience throughout the Tour, noted the significance of competitive races, asserting, "I have felt I have gone my form through the tour and needed these competitions. I find I need to know what the flow is and to get“ leg tired,” stating it’s important to test oneself through real competition rather than just training.
Sunday’s race will not only determine the winners of the Tour but will also serve as preparation for the upcoming World Championships, where both Johaug and Klæbo hope to seize the gold. The stakes are higher than ever as they steer their focus on the upcoming challenges, all the hard work culminating at this prestigious competition.
The 2024 Tour de Ski stands as not just another event on the calendar; it is the platform where legends are made, and the top athletes are setting the stage for their quests to remain atop their respective sports. The public will have its eyes glued to Alpe Cermis, where dreams of glory are on the line for Johaug, Klæbo, and their fierce competitors.