The 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships is officially underway, showcasing top-tier athleticism and competition from February 26 to March 9, 2025, right here in Trondheim, Norway. With excitement mounting, athletes from various countries are set to compete across three disciplines: cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and the Nordic combined.
Today, March 1, marks the much-anticipated men's 20km skiathlon, starting at 2 PM CET. This event is particularly noteworthy as it features both classic style and freestyle techniques, allowing participants to showcase their versatility and stamina. Last year, the skiathlon produced spectacular performances, and expectations are high for today’s showdown.
Leading the charge is Norwegian superstar Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who recently captured the gold medal in the men’s skiathlon at the World Championships, finishing with an impressive time of 44:22.3. Klæbo, consistently displaying remarkable skills and speed, is well-regarded as the overwhelming favorite. Hot on his heels are compatriots Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget and Harald Østberg Amundsen, who finished second and third, respectively, securing yet another podium sweep for Norway.
The tight finish highlighted the dominance of Norwegian skiathletes, as Klæbo and Nyenget finished just 1.4 seconds apart, with Amundsen closely following. Their performances today exemplify Norway's prowess on their home turf, especially as they compete before spirited crowds of local fans.
Among the challengers to the Norwegian stronghold are some of the best athletes from around the world. Skiers like Federico Pellegrino from Italy, known for his sprint capabilities, have consistently performed well, and today, he aims to disrupt the Norwegian dominance. Jan Thomas Jenssen, with experience both close to home and abroad, is another name to keep an eye on.
While Klæbo’s sprinting prowess gives him the edge, other skiers like Simen Hegstad Krüger, who won the skiathlon title last year, are expected to mount significant challenges. Hegstad Krüger, known for his technical skiing ability, may capitalize on the course's demands, potentially overcoming the established favorites.
The 2025 championships hold additional stakes, as results now weigh heavily on qualification points for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games set to occur in Milano-Cortina 2026. Therefore, the athletes are not merely competing for titles; they are also rallying for their positions on the Olympic stage.
Off the slopes, excitement surrounds other events parallel to today’s skiathlon, with competitors across classifications and events also eager to stake their claims on the world championship titles. Other significant races this week include the women’s skiathlon, set to take place the following day, and the men’s individual normal hill ski jumping, highlighting the diversity and thrill of the Nordic sporting spectacle.
Looking forward, the next days promise riveting competition, with over 300,000 spectators expected to fill the stands throughout the event duration. The trails and slopes of Trondheim are lined with enthusiastic fans anticipating extraordinary performances from their national icons and international stars.
Even as this year’s championship kicks off, glimpses of the camaraderie and sportsmanship inherent to the Nordic traditions shine through. This spirit is highlighted by Mathis Desloges, who aims to make his mark as he competes at his first senior-level World Championships, having previously celebrated victory as the U23 world champion. Desloges has been vocal about his ambitions and readiness to compete among the best as he prepares for the skiathlon and 50-kilometer skate races.
Currently seated firmly within the top 15 of the overall World Cup rankings, Desloges is eager to prove himself and showcase his training efforts. He noted, “I’m not going there just to discover anything... the aim is to jump stages and aim high,” as he prepares to make his mark on the global stage.
The excitement of the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships lies not just within the medals and victories but also through the stories of fierce competition, dedication, and the spirit of sport. With each event moving forward, Trondheim will capture the essence of Nordic skiing and eagerly await who will rise as champions.