VAL DI FIEMME, 5 January 2025 – The 2024/25 Tour de Ski has concluded with remarkable performances, particularly from Norway’s Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, who claimed victory for the fourth time, equaling the legendary Dario Cologna's record for the most wins. "It feels great to share the same number of wins as Cologna. The climb is brutal, but luckily, I had some time to spare," Kläbo remarked after his decisive win.
Leading the overall standings well before the final leg, Kläbo entered the final climb with more than two minutes advantage over his compatriot Erik Valnes, giving him enough leeway to finish 18th up the formidable Alpe Cermis slope. Mika Vermeulen of Austria, who came second overall, secured his position by finishing strong, just over one minute behind Kläbo.
"It was brutal as usual," Sweden's William Poromaa said after finishing 15th. He reflected on his exhaustion after racing up the slopes. "I feel terrible, honestly. I'm extremely worn out. I was almost fainting on the way up," he confessed.
Despite Poromaa's struggles, fellow Swede Edvin Anger distinguished himself by being the top Swedish competitor overall, finishing ninth. He climbed one spot on the final ascent, making his way up to 12th place during the final segment. Anger expressed his frustration about missing out on earlier opportunities, which could have placed him higher on the podium. "It was very good today, but I’m frustrated over the two races before, otherwise I could have been competing for the podium," he said.
Ebba Andersson, competing fiercely among the women, also showcased her talent by clinching sixth place overall, following her impressive fifth place finish during the final climb. Her performance demonstrated resilience and skill, elevationally enhancing her standing from the earlier stages of the competition.
Adding to the intrigue of this year’s Tour de Ski, the presence of former alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn drew considerable attention. Therese Johaug, the winner of the women's segment of the Tour, was visibly surprised upon spotting Vonn. "I was almost starstruck seeing her at the finish area. Are you really here watching us ski? That's huge," Johaug exclaimed.
Vonn, who recently made her return to the World Cup circuit after taking time off for personal reasons, attended to support Jessie Diggins and the other American competitors. "It’s fantastic to see everyone here supporting us," Diggins noted, acknowledging Vonn’s star power.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, light moments such as Johaug’s reaction to Vonn’s presence added to the camaraderie of the event. Swahn, another skier, echoed the sentiment, saying, "Oh really? She's been here? Cool. I missed the excitement!"
The results of the Tour de Ski 2024/25 were as follows:
Men's Overall:
- 1. Johannes Høsflot Kläbo (NOR)
- 2. Mika Vermeulen (AUT)
- 3. Hugo Lapalus (FRA)
- 9. Edvin Anger (SWE)
- 13. William Poromaa (SWE)
Women's Overall:
- 1. Therese Johaug (NOR)
- 2. Astri Øyre Slind (NOR)
- 3. Jessie Diggins (USA)
- 6. Ebba Andersson (SWE)
The final climb results presented the following:
Men's Final Climb:
- 1. Simen Hegstad Krüger (NOR)
- 2. Mika Vermeulen (AUT)
- 3. Hugo Lapalus (FRA)
- 8. Jens Burman (SWE)
- 12. Edvin Anger (SWE)
Women's Final Climb:
- 1. Therese Johaug (NOR)
- 2. Astri Øyre Slind (NOR)
- 3. Heidi Weng (NOR)
- 5. Ebba Andersson (SWE)
The Tour de Ski continues to be one of the most competitive and electrifying events on the cross-country skiing calendar, and fans are eagerly awaiting what next season promises to bring.