16:19. In Tesero (Italy), Federico Pellegrino ‘s Olympic classic sprint came to an end in the semi-finals. Solid in the previous rounds, the skier from Valle d’Aosta once again relied on his experience and tactical sense. But in a very dense series, his lack of pure speed in the final phase cost him dearly. Faced with more explosive competition, the flag-bearer of the Italian delegation was unable to close the gap in the final straight.
I’m proud of my sprint,” he said after the race (quoted by La Gazetta). But there were six athletes faster than me. I’m still hopeful for the team event. In the skiathlon, my equipment failed me; this time, my legs weren’t at the same level as my rivals. But I have nothing to reproach myself for.
Victory went to the great favourite, Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo, who was imperious, ahead of American Ben Ogden, while another Norwegian, Oskar Opstad Vike, completed the podium.
