Michael Hellweger, powerhouse from the Sarntal. © pentaphoto

Michael Hellweger shows off at the Tour de Ski

The classic sprints in Val di Fiemme were on the programme for the cross-country skiers' Tour de Ski on Friday. Michael Hellweger once again showed his skills.

03 January 2025

From: dl

Hellweger already showed his skills in the qualification with the seventh fastest time. In the end, the Sarner fought his way into the semi-finals, where he had to give way to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Even Northug & Co. In the end, Hellweger finished in 11th place, narrowly missing out on his second top-ten place in a World Cup race. Most recently in Toblach, he came 16th.

Hellweger is normally considered a freestyle sprint specialist. But the 28-year-old is now also at home in the classic technique. Victory once again went to tour leader Klæbo, who easily beat his compatriot Northug. The Italian Federico Pellegrino came fourth. However, it must be said that the Norwegians' skis are simply better than those of the Azzurri.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is in a class of his own. © Teyssot / Pierre Teyssot

In the women's competition, the victory went to 29-year-old Swiss Nadine Fähndrich, who beat the Swede Linn Svahn and the Norwegian Heidi Weng. The two Azzurre Nicole Monsorino and Caterina Ganz at least made it to the semi-finals.

Alone

In the overall Tour rankings, Klæbo is now a full 1.35 minutes ahead of the Swede Edvin Anger. In the women's race, Norwegian Astrid Slind is still leading by just 8 seconds ahead of her compatriot Therese Johaug. Kertuu Niskanen (+29 seconds) and last year's winner Jessie Diggins (she is one minute behind) also still have a chance of winning the overall. The final will take place on Sunday.