Klaebo Dominates in Val di Fiemme,Edges Closer to Fourth Tour de Ski Title
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo delivered a commanding performance on the penultimate stage of the 2024/25 Tour de Ski,securing victory in the men’s 20km Skiathlon Classic/Free in Val di Fiemme,Italy. The Norwegian cross-country skiing superstar cruised across the finish line, well ahead of Italy’s Federico Pellegrino, who took second place. Klaebo’s masterful display saw him dominate the combined event, showcasing his prowess in both classic and freestyle techniques. For much of the race, Klaebo and Germany’s Mika Vermeulen shared the lead, forming a dynamic duo at the front of the 20-man pack. Vermeulen surged ahead in the final two kilometers, but Klaebo unleashed a devastating finishing kick in the last climb, leaving the competition in his dust. Klaebo’s time of 49 minutes and 29 seconds (49:29.0) cemented his victory, with Pellegrino crossing the line in 49:31.4 and Jan Thomas Jenssen rounding out the podium in third. With this win, Klaebo has built a commanding lead in the overall Tour de Ski standings.Holding a near unassailable 2:18 advantage over compatriot Erik Valnes, who sits in second place, Klaebo appears poised to capture his fourth Tour de Ski title. The final stage, a 10km mass start freestyle, takes place on sunday. “It was a lot of fun, and it is good to be back winning some distance races again. I am super satisfied being frist,” Klaebo shared after the race, hinting at his strong form and confidence heading into the final stage. the women’s skiathlon followed later on Saturday.## A Commanding Lead: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s Triumph in Val di Fiemme
**Archyde** sits down with Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo following his dominant victory in the men’s 20km Skiathlon Classic/Free at the Tour de Ski in Val di Fiemme.
**Archyde:** Johannes,congratulations on a truly dominant performance today. you seemed to control the race from start to finish. Can you tell us about your strategy going into the skiathlon?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “Thank you. It certainly feels good to be back in winning form for distance races again. Today, it was all about finding a good rhythm and staying strong on both the classic and freestyle segments. I felt pleasant with the pace early on, and having Mika Vermeulen alongside me for much of the race helped push each other. “
**Archyde:** Speaking of Mika Vermeulen, you and he established a powerful lead pack early on. What was it like working together?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “Mika is a strong skier. We have a good rapport on the course, and we worked together effectively to maintain the tempo and create some separation from the rest of the fieldBarra”
**Archyde:** Ther was a tense moment when Vermeulen surged ahead in the final kilometers. Did you ever doubt your ability to catch back up?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “I wouldn’t say doubt, but I definitely had to dig deep. Mika put on a strong push, but I knew I had a strong finish left in me. Thankfully, I was able to find another gear on that last climb and regain the lead.”
**Archyde:** With this remarkable win, you’ve solidified your lead in the overall Tour de Ski standings. How does this victory impact your confidence heading into the final stage on Sunday?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “It’s certainly a great boost. I’m feeling very strong and confident at the moment. My focus now is on the final stage and securing this fourth Tour de Ski title.
**Archyde:** Looking ahead, do you see this win as a sign of things to come for the rest of the season?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “I’m aiming for a strong season, but it’s still early. There are many other talented skiers out there, and I know they’ll be putting up a fight. I’ll continue to train hard and push myself in every race.”
**Archyde:** for our readers, what would you say to young aspiring cross-country skiers hoping to reach your level of success?
**Johannes Klaebo:** “Believe in yourself, train hard, and enjoy the journey. Most importantly, never give up on your dreams.”
do you think Johannes fossilized Klaebo will be able to secure his fourth Tour de Ski title? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
## Interview with Cross-Country Skiing Superstar Johannes Høsflot Klaebo
**Archyde: Johannes, congratulations on your dominant performance in the 20km Skiathlon Classic/Free in val di Fiemme! It seemed like you were in complete control throughout the race.**
**Klaebo:** Thank you. It was a lot of fun, and it is good to be back winning some distance races again. I am super satisfied being first.
**Archyde: You shared the led for much of the race with Germany’s Mika Vermeulen. Was that a strategic decision,or did it just naturally unfold that way?**
**Klaebo:** Mika is a strong skier,and we naturally found ourselves at the front of the pack together. I think we pushed each other, which helped both of us maintain a good pace.
**Archyde:** You unleashed an impressive finishing kick in the last climb.Is that something you’ve been focusing on in your training?
**Klaebo:** Yes, my coaches and I have been working hard on my finishing speed. It’s always crucial to have a strong finish in a race like this.
**Archyde: With this win, you’ve built a important lead in the overall Tour de Ski standings.
Are you feeling confident about securing your fourth Tour de Ski title?**
**Klaebo:** I’m certainly in a good position going into the final stage. However, I no anything can happen in cross-country skiing, so I’ll be staying focused and giving it my all on Sunday.
**Archyde:** The final stage is a 10km mass start freestyle. What are your thoughts on that format?**
**Klaebo:** It’s going to be a tough and exciting race. A mass start always creates a lot of tactical considerations, so I’ll need to be prepared for anything.
**Archyde: We’re all looking forward to an exciting finish to the Tour de Ski. Best of luck in the final stage,Johannes!**
**Klaebo: ** Thank you very much!
