Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and Pål Golberg commented differently on Iivo Niskanen’s bending in the World Cup gold fight. Golberg’s dream came true when he defeated Kläbo in the final round.
Roope Visuri,
Laura Arffman
A somewhat surprising world champion came to the final trip of the World Ski Championships in Planica, when Paul Golberg defeated the country’s superstar in the final round Johannes Hösflot Kläbon.
Golberg admitted that he has not beaten Kläbo very often.
– When you do it in 50 kilometers at the World Championships, it’s incredible. I had a lot of strength and a perfect position in the final stretch, Golberg told Urheilu and summed up the meaning of the championship in one sentence.
– My dream came true.
During the race, Golberg stayed in the lead for several times.
– Sometimes I tried to keep up the pace. No one followed. It wasn’t a very high speed. That was in my favor, Golberg said.
Iivo Niskanen regretted his arrogance after the race, that he didn’t leave early enough to tear up the crowd. The Finn tried to pull away in the last round, but six other men were still fighting for the medals.
– I believe that Iivo will come back strong. In his condition last year, he would have been hard to beat, Golberg stated.
Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, who finished second, was not surprised that Niskanen didn’t start earlier to break away.
– The pace was fast enough for him. I don’t think he had more to give. We were all tired by the last lap. The pace increased. Iivo would attack a little. However, the pace was not that fast, Kläbo stated.
Kläbo reminded that the competition took place in tough conditions. The Norwegian was not too disappointed with his silver medal, but rather was satisfied.
The Norwegian superstar emphasized that he skied the best World Championships of his career. Kläbo took the WC gold in the sprint and silver in the combined competition in addition to the 50 km. However, one dream has not yet come true. Kläbo has not yet won the gold medal in the 50 km race.
– I will continue to work for it. But at least I’ve done something right. Now it’s nice to be back in Norway. I haven’t been home for a while, Kläbo said and moved his sights to next Sunday’s legendary Holmenkollen 50 km race.
Swedish William Poromaa finished third. The medal was the first for the Swedish men at the World Championships on personal trips since the 2015 home games in Falun.
Poromaa had been fifth in the combined competition and in the 15 km freestyle skiing competition in Planica. However, he was confident that he could do even better at 50 kilometers.
– This really means a lot. I’m very thankful. The home team has supported me the whole time, Poromaa says.