Fourth straight for Klæbo – Halfvarsson fourth again

Leksand extended the winning streak beat AIK

Behind Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, another Norwegian, Sindre Bjørnestad Skar, was second and the Italian Federico Pellegrino third. Sweden’s Calle Halfvarsson ended up just outside the podium, in fourth, for the second day in a row.

The race developed more into a mass start than a chase start, thanks in part to the fast lead for the day. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo went out in a clear lead, twelve seconds ahead of the nearest chaser, but seemed to have no major problems with waiting for a cluster of nearly 30 riders, where Calle Halfvarsson and William Poromaa made up the Swedish elements.

Well aware of his strong sprint, the Norwegian bided his time, and once he put the punch in the stadium, no one could threaten him and Klæbo won in superior style.

Calle Halfvarsson was responsible for another fine effort and just like in Tuesday’s 10-kilometer race in classic style, it was fourth place for the Swede. William Poromaa finished seventh.

nh2-general