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Klæbo crushed in comeback: – Shock start
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Klæbo crushed in comeback: – Shock start

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Norwegian skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo finished 43rd in his first roller ski competition of the summer, seven minutes behind the winner.
  • Klæbo expressed disappointment, stating he "viscerally felt" the effort and attributing his performance partly to illness after a recent trip to the USA.
  • The race was won by Johan Hoel, with Stina Nilsson winning the women's event.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo experienced a shocking start to his summer competition season, finishing a distant 43rd in the 53 km roller ski race on Hitra. He was over seven minutes behind the winner, Johan Hoel, marking a stark contrast to his six Olympic gold medals from the previous winter.

It feels completely mediocre.

— Johannes Høsflot KlæboKlæbo's initial reaction before the roller ski race.

"It feels completely mediocre," Klæbo told VG before the race. After the event, he elaborated on his struggles: "I withered completely in my arms. It felt like I had never skied before in my life." He attributed his performance partly to a period of illness following a trip to the USA, noting the unfortunate timing. Klæbo plans to head to altitude training after the Toppidrettsveka event.

I withered completely in my arms. It felt like I had never skied before in my life.

— Johannes Høsflot KlæboKlæbo describing his physical struggle during the roller ski race.

Despite the disappointing result, Klæbo stated, "I'm not worried. But now we have to start." He acknowledged the high level of competition, particularly the "stake" technique used by other skiers. Expert Jørn Sundby commented on Klæbo's performance, calling it a "shock start" and noting that Klæbo had been "grilled."

I'm not worried. But now we have to start.

— Johannes Høsflot KlæboKlæbo's outlook following his disappointing performance.

Johan Hoel secured victory in the men's long-distance race after a sprint finish, ahead of Swedish junior Tage Börjesson. Casper Kvam Grindhagen took third place. In the women's category, Stina Nilsson, a former world and Olympic champion, won after a strong sprint finish over 32 km. Elena Rise Johnsen was the best-placed Norwegian woman, finishing fifth.

It has been a shock start for Klæbo. He has really been grilled.

— Jørn SundbyAn expert's commentary on Klæbo's performance in the roller ski race.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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