Cross Country Skiing
Here are Finland’s chances in the Tour de Ski finale — women have a great shot on the podium, big question marks around Niilo Moilanen
January 02, 2026 / Yle
Several Finnish skiers have withdrawn from the Tour de Ski before the finale weekend, while the remaining athletes — notably Jasmi Joensuu, Kerttu Niskanen and Johanna Matintalo — are well positioned in the overall standings and could reach the podium. Iivo Niskanen, Lauri Vuorinen, Ristomatti Hakola, Niko Anttola and Krista Pärmäkoski have all had issues; meanwhile Aino‑Kaisa Saarinen thinks Niilo Moilanen could use the Alpe Cermis climb as a chance to prove he can do more than classic sprints.
Erik Valnes pulls out of the rest of Tour de Ski
January 02, 2026 / NRK
Norwegian skier Erik Valnes has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2026 Tour de Ski because he feels tired and not sufficiently recovered after four stages. His withdrawal comes on the event's final rest day; two stages remain (a sprint on Saturday and a mass-start on Sunday).
Norwegian sprint star Skistad given another sanction — Aino‑Kaisa Saarinen questions the showboating
January 02, 2026 / Yle
Norwegian sprint specialist Kristine Stavås Skistad received a yellow card from FIS after deliberately slowing and using a forbidden technique in a Tour de Skin 20 km pursuit. Veteran Aino‑Kaisa Saarinen and others criticised Skistad’s apparent protest-style skiing, while FIS and race officials defended the sanction as a rules-based reaction.
Truls Gisselman: Dark horse now inside reach of top‑10 in Tour de Ski — “Better than ever”
January 02, 2026 / SVT
Swedish skier Truls Gisselman impressed on the New Year's stage of the Tour de Ski, moving up from 20th to 15th and sitting only four seconds behind the top‑10 overall. Coach Lars Ljung says Gisselman looks better than ever and the result could strengthen his case for an Olympic spot when selectors meet after the Tour.
William Poromaa after rib injury: "I don't know, it doesn't feel good"
January 02, 2026 / SVT Sport
Swedish skier William Poromaa revealed after a fall in the Tour de Ski that he suspects a broken rib. SVT Sport publishes exclusive footage from the documentary series showing Poromaa being examined by the national team medical staff and describing breathing difficulties and pain, with his continuation in the Tour uncertain.
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Kristine Stavås Skistad criticises FIS after receiving her third yellow card of the season: "They're out to get me"
January 02, 2026 / Eurosport
Norwegian sprinter Kristine Stavås Skistad reacted angrily after receiving a yellow card during a Tour de Ski stage where she finished last. The card (her third of the season) came after she took two pole plants in a prohibited zone; FIS race director Michal Lamplot rejects Skistad's claim that the federation is targeting her. If she receives another yellow card in the upcoming sprint she would face disqualification.
"Dry throat" — Coletta Rydzek withdraws from Tour de Ski
January 02, 2026 / sportschau.de (WDR)
German cross‑country skier Coletta Rydzek has withdrawn from the Tour de Ski for precautionary reasons after developing mild cold symptoms described as a "dry throat." The German Ski Association said the decision was taken to avoid aggravating a potential illness; Rydzek will miss the final stages in Val di Fiemme after earlier posting a sprint runner‑up and then losing time in the pursuit.
Kristine Stavås Skistad given another yellow card in Tour de Ski
January 02, 2026 / NRK
NRK reports that Norwegian skier Kristine Stavås Skistad received a yellow card during the Tour de Ski pursuit on New Year’s Day after making two double-pole pushes while changing tracks inside a no-poling zone. It was her third yellow card this season (and she also holds one red card); FIS race director Michal Lamplot says the decision was straightforward and other athletes have been sanctioned similarly.
Uppsala youths selected for Vasaloppet China
January 02, 2026 / SVT Nyheter (Uppsala)
Six young skiers from IK Rex in Uppsala have been selected to race in Vasaloppet China in Changchun. The race is an international long-distance cross-country skiing event inspired by Sweden’s Vasaloppet and attracts thousands of participants from many countries.
Cross-country: Team boss Anders Byström: Not certain Sweden will use all Olympic quota places
January 02, 2026 / SVT Sport
Sweden has earned eight men's quota places for cross‑country at the 2026 Olympics but team leader Anders Byström says it is not guaranteed the country will fill them. Selection also depends on the Swedish Olympic Committee's requirement that athletes show results and form indicating they could contend for at least a 12th place.
Team-mates praise Moa Ilar after Tour de Ski podiums
January 02, 2026 / SVT Sport
Sweden’s Moa Ilar has produced a breakthrough Tour de Ski, taking multiple World Cup podiums including a 2nd place in the 20 km pursuit in Toblach and sitting second overall in both the Tour and the World Cup standings. Her teammates — including Frida Karlsson and others — praised her performances and celebrated her rapid rise this season.
Vilma Nissinen compares Vantaa to Mogadishu — Ski federation rejects comment, athlete apologises
January 02, 2026 / Yle
Finnish cross-country skier Vilma Nissinen caused controversy after comparing Vantaa’s Hakunila area to Mogadishu in a post-race interview during the Tour de Ski. The Finnish Ski Association disavowed the remark, stressed it does not tolerate racism, and Nissinen issued a public apology; Vantaa’s mayor and local partners also criticised the comparison.