The Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hösflot Kläbo has continued his winning streak. The 21-year-old young star won the first ski athlon of the Olympic season at the home game in Lillehammer and celebrated his seventh consecutive success since March. The lead in the overall World Cup was further extended by Kläbo, who had already won the sprint on Saturday.
After 15 km each in classic and free style, Kläbo, who had to be knocked down in the meantime, lay in front of overall World Cup defender Martin Johnsrud Sundby (+1.3 seconds) in the finish sprint. Hans Christer Holund and Simen Hegstad Krüger in third and fourth places made a four-time triumph perfect for the outstanding Norwegians.
The best German was Lucas Bögl (Gaißach), who finished 21st (+3:05.2) after a courageous race and scored points in the World Cup. Andreas Katz (Baiersbronn) finished in 30th place. another counter. Furthermore, however, no DSV athlete has yet met only part of the Olympic norm (once top eight or twice top 15).
Norway’s record world champion Petter Northug was no longer at the start. The 31-year-old, who only made his season debut in the World Cup at home via the national group, left after missing 32nd place in the sprint qualification on Saturday, said Northug:”I’m not in shape, so it’s better to drive home and train,”he said. An Olympic start for the double winner of Vancouver 2010 seems unlikely at the moment.
In the women’s event, Swedish Charlotte Kalla had previously won the ski athlon ahead of Norwegian Heidi Weng, consolidating her lead in the overall World Cup. Norway’s record world champion Marit Björgen (+54.3) had to settle for fourth place behind her compatriot Ragnhild Haga (+43.6). The best German runner was the 36-year-old Stefanie Böhler (Ibach) in 20th place (+2:23.9 minutes).