Klæbo was the best in both the sprint prologue, quarter-final and semi-final – and also came close in the final where he was superior to his competitors. – What we have seen of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo today is a further improved version of Klæbo. He didn’t have to use the “Klæbo-klyvet” once. So he was as superior as I’ve hardly ever seen Klæbo, and that’s saying a lot, says news’s expert Torgeir Bjørn. – He has never been better physically prepared for a season. Klæbo glided across the finish line in solitary majesty, and was more than a second and a half ahead of Northug. But the latter had a family member on the sidelines who was more than happy with the effort. From “lucky loser” to podium Even Northug was the only Norwegian to make it to the final on time, but there he showed new strength and finished second behind Klæbo. – There is nothing to do with Johannes today, but I am so happy that I managed to get on the podium today. It means everything. Such a great effort is put in by myself and the people around me. Then it’s really fun to succeed, says Even Northug to news. Big brother Petter Northug followed the race and was very proud of his little brother: – It’s the first time on the podium, so I know this means a lot. He has put in so much effort and training to get here now, and he knows that there is classic sprinting in the WC too, so … I am touched, says Northug to news. IN PLACE: Petter Northug was touched by his little brother’s second place. Photo: Terje Bendiksby / NTB – What does it mean to you? – That means everything. This is more important to me than winning the WC gold myself. I think it’s so funny that Even makes it happen and I wish him every success. I look forward to following him further, says Petter Northug. He believes his brother’s effort was solid, but was not completely calm when the race was halfway over. – I was a little skeptical halfway there when he ended up in fifth position around the turn, but he had a very rough finish. This was impressive and also very funny to see Johannes win here, but of course, for Even’s part, I think this is definitely a career highlight with a second place here, says Northug. Norwegian dominance from the start The sprint final with six athletes consisted of a total of four Norwegians, all of whom showed that Norway will be the nation to catch up with for another season. Because in addition to Klæbo and Northug in first and second place, Pål Golberg followed in third and Erik Valnes in fourth. Thus, the Norwegian total dominance was complete. Swedish Calle Halfvarsson and French Jules Chappaz had to settle for fifth and sixth place. It became difficult for the Swedes to catch up with the Norwegians. – It was as usual, they are always in good shape and it goes away for the Norwegians. It is tough to beat them, says Halfvarsson to news. This is how the World Cup opening ended in Ruka:
ttn-69
Northug touched by his brother’s podium: – More important to me than winning the WC gold
