Maiden win for Karlsson | Johaug Overall World Cup winner
Mar 07, 2020·Cross-Country
Despite starting the traditional Holmenkollen Skifest weekend in Oslo (NOR) with many surprises, the first competition day leaves the FIS Cross-Country family celebrating outstanding sucesses.
A winter with difficult snow conditions was topped up with the challenges in connection to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Of course, the current global situation does not leave the FIS Cross-Country World Cup unmarked. The course of the prestigious 30km C competition had to be held on a 6.2km course and as a precaution due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, local authorities did not allow any spectators in the stadium site. Nevertheless, these changes did not stop the FIS Cross-Country world class athletes from performing at their best level.
Above all was Therese Johaug. The local superstar impressively took the lead and set the pace right from the start of the 30km C Mst. But she did not only race for another victory at the Holmenkollen race (she won the prestigious race four times already, plus adding another four podium spots). Therese Johaug ensured herself already the Distance World Cup victory of the season 2019/20 and had her eyes set on the Overall World Cup globe.
After three laps, Johaug had ensured herself a 45 second gap to her successors. In this game changing moment, the Swedish front runners, Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson and Charlotte Kalla went into the box to change their skis.
Karlsson and Andersson managed to catch up and overtake the chasing group. Entering the final lap the duo was 34 seconds behind Johaug. Kilometer by kilometer the gap got smaller until Karlsson – who had set off from Andersson - caught up with Johaug just when entering the stadium before heading towards the finish line.
The fight for the victory was won on the last meters of the 30km C by the Swede Frida Karlsson who ensures herself the first ever World Cup podium and victory in her young career!
With her second rank Therese Johaug ensured herself the Overall World Cup victory and was rewarded for her outstanding performances during the season 2019/20.
Ebba Andersson crossed the finish line 20 seconds after the duo and takes the third place. Andersson concludes a striking week, after winning the 10km C and 15km F at the JWSC in Oberwiesenthal.
