Cross-country skiing: Iivo Niskanen remains king of the classics
A few hours after Ebba Andersson’s dazzling victory in the women’s race, the best cross-country skiers in the World Cup were in action this Saturday afternoon in theindividual 10-kilometre classic on the slopes of Falun (Sweden).
And as in many of the classic races this winter, Iivo Niskanen put on a show. As elegant and impressive as ever in his preferred style, the Finn gave his rivals no hope. By leaving him very little ground, the 33-year-old cross-country skier secured first place ahead of three Norwegians.
Having won at home in Ruka (Finland) at the start of the season, this is his second success of the 2024/2025 season. Behind him, Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo
finished strongly to climb onto the podium. Starting more slowly than usual, the Scandinavian gradually increased his pace to take a place in the top 3.
The Norwegian, who won the classic sprint without batting an eyelid the previous day, confirmed that he will be a customer in this event in a few days’ time at the World Championships in Trondheim (Norway). On the line, he got the better of his team-mate Erik Valnes, who was back on the box in a distance race.
Hugo Lapalus a breath away from the podium
Another classic specialist, Martin Loewstroem Nyenget, was content with fourth place, less than three seconds behind his compatriot. 4 seconds after him, it was a Frenchman who made his mark. Fifth at the finish, Hugo Lapalus proved that he has a card to play in this format.
The Haut-Savoyard was at the top of his game throughout the intermediates on the Swedish course, and never flinched. A very solid performance that augurs well for the future, just a few days ahead of the season’s big event, where he can legitimately set his sights on the medals after finishing just 7 seconds behind the winner on Saturday.
Behind him, Mathis Desloges once again finished as the second best Frenchman. Thanks to a very good finish, the rider from the Isère region climbed up a few places to finish sixteenth. Another fine performance for the Dauphinois, who consolidates his position in the top fifteen of the overall circuit classification.
A few seconds after him, Rémi Bourdin was also gaining momentum. Twentieth when he crossed the line, the Doubiste rider sent out some fine signals on the eve of a mass-start skate race which also promises to be exciting. Returning to the World Cup this weekend, Théo Schely finished thirtieth.
It was a more difficult day for Clément Parisse, in sixtieth place, and Gaspard Rousset, in sixty-third place on his second start among the elite in his discipline.
Read also
- Falun: Ebba Andersson back to winning ways in the individual classic, Flora Dolci best Frenchwoman
- Edvin Anger fan club out in force in Falun to cheer on their hero
- “I can’t wait for the Worlds”: fourth in Falun, Jules Chappaz is back in the sprint final
- Falun: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo qualifies for the classic sprint, three French players reach the finals
- Falun: Linn Svahn sends out a strong signal on qualifying for the classic sprint, Léna Quintin will see out the quarter-finals
