Johaug foregoes Tour de Ski

The 30-year-old, who dominated the World Cup after her doping ban, is taking a break from training ahead of the World Championships in Seefeld (February 16 to March 3). “She feels like she needs some time to get to the front of the World Cup. I think it's very smart that it charges the batteries," said Norway's cross-country skiing boss Vidar Löfshus.

Johaug, who is still unbeaten in five distance race starts in the World Cup this season, won the Tour de Ski in 2013/14 and 2016. Before her, Sweden's top runner Charlotte Kalla, winner in 2007/08, took part in the 13th edition from December 29th to January 6th.

Kläbo in Dobbiaco Norway's men, on the other hand, will compete with their best line-up, with top star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo making his tour debut. As every year, there had previously been discussions among the strongest cross-country skiers about foregoing the strenuous event. “That really surprised me a bit, especially considering that the Tour de Ski is of great importance for public interest in cross-country skiing. Some runners don't seem to fully understand that," said Norway's two-time Tour winner Martin Johnsrud Sundby.

His compatriot Vegard Ulvang, chairman of the cross-country skiing committee in the World Ski Association FIS, emphasized that the Tour de Ski attracts significantly more attention than normal World Cup races and that every athlete is responsible for marketing the sport - even if it is sometimes difficult. “Sometimes they just have to go to work on Monday morning - this also applies to cross-country skiers. Because it's a job, because it's entertainment," says the three-time Olympic champion.

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Johaug foregoes Tour de Ski

Norway's cross-country skiing star Therese Johaug will not take part in the Tour de Ski starting next week in Toblach. In the men's category, top star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo is making his tour debut.

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