Frida Karlsson and Jessie Diggins were really exhausted at the finish line of the 15 km traditional joint start in Val di Fiemme.
Roope Visuri,
Laura Arffman
VAL DI FIEMME.
Val di Fiemme saw the penultimate stage of the Tour de Ski in tough conditions. The race lasted much longer than normal, as the combination of sleet and water rain slowed down the skiers.
Kerttu Niskanen was looking for his third win at the Tour this season, but the Swedes Linn Svahn and Frida Karlsson skied to a double win. Niskanen was tenth in the competition.
Especially Karlsson worked hard during the race. The Swede collected himself for a long time in the goal. So did the American star leading the Tour Jessie Diggins. However, both took a moment to get in interview condition.
The Swedish team, led by Karlsson, used tactics at, for example, 8.5 kilometers, when important bonus seconds were distributed at the finish line. Karlsson did a tough job, but was satisfied with how he felt after recovering.
– I tried to run away. I would have hoped that more people would have wanted to pull, Karlsson told Urheilu.
Karlsson came third overall. The situation for the legendary final climb to Alpe Cermis is tickling. Swedish Jonna Sundling is second and 43 seconds behind Diggins. Karlsson is third only one second behind Sundling and Niskanen five seconds behind Karlsson. The three are only within six seconds of each other.
Frida Karlsson won the overall Tour last year, but collapsed after a steep climb and lost consciousness for a while.
Karlsson doesn’t know what to expect this time.
– I believe it will be quite good. Last year, however, we saw that this did not happen. Now the situation is a bit of a surprise, Karlsson said.
The Ruotsalaistahti had a strict view of the Finn, although it also praised Niska.
– Kerttu was good last year (at Alpe Cermis). He is a good challenger, Karlsson saw Niskanen’s situation.
Jessie Diggins was in the rain for a short time during a media interview. The American star had time to give one comment to Urheilu. Diggins leads the overall race by 39 seconds over Weng.
– I am really grateful to my team. I had good skis. I needed it. They did it. I just had to hang in there, said Diggins, who finished eighth in the joint start race.