Norwegian skiing star Therese Johaug was once again in a class of her own at the annual marathon Tour de Ski that began right after Christmas. Norwegian women won all the top spots on the last day, while Johannes Høsflot Klæbo had to yield the two overall top spots on the mens’ podium to Russian rivals.
Russian skier Natalja Neprjajeva posed challenges for Johaug, but the Norwegian all but dominated the tour. She could come sailing over the finish line of the last event on Sunday, carrying the Norwegian flag and well ahead of her rivals. Johaug also continues to lead the World Cup standings, with Norwegian teammate Heidi Weng in second place and Neprjajeva third.
Klæbo didn’t fare as well, placing third in the Tour de Ski after Russians Alexander Bolsjunov and Sergei Ustjugov. Johaug was jubilant over her third tour title but was unsure whether she’ll go for a fourth next year, preferring to save her strength for the World Championships. Norwegian media speculated this may thus have been the last tour for the 31-year-old Johaug.
newsinenglish.no staff
