Cross Country Skiing
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The Doping Bombs that Shook the Ski World Championships – A Double Finnish Tragedy
February 25, 2025 / Eurosport
This article recounts four major doping scandals that have marred the history of cross-country skiing world championships, beginning with the 1997 Trondheim incident involving Russian superstar Ljubov Jegorova. It also details two infamous Finnish doping episodes – one from Lahti and another involving Kaisa Varis at Val di Fiemme – as well as a scandal at Seefeld in 2019 involving Austrian and other international athletes, which collectively had long-lasting repercussions on the sport.
Reasons Behind Johannes Kläbo's Supreme Dominance – One Formula to Beat the Sprint King
February 25, 2025 / Yle
The article explains how Johannes Kläbo has dominated World Cup sprint races in cross‐country skiing for nearly seven years, winning about 90% of his races and all major championship sprints since the 2018 Winter Olympics. Nordic skiing experts Teemu Pasanen and former sprint specialist Kalle Lassila attribute his success to unique qualities such as exceptional endurance, unmatched acceleration, and superior tactical awareness, while also discussing the rare conditions where even formidable rivals like Richard Jouve and Lucas Chanavat can challenge him.
Olympic Committee Urges Winter Sports Federations to Admit Russians and Belarusians
February 25, 2025 / SVT Sport
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged winter sports federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to qualify for the upcoming Winter Olympics, despite being barred from many competitions since the invasion of Ukraine. This has raised discussions on the possibility of neutral athletes participating in the Olympics if the respective federations agree to their inclusion.
Nordic Ski World Championships – Can German Cross-Country Skiers Reclaim Team Medals?
February 24, 2025 / sportschau.de
The article discusses the renewed medal prospects of the German cross‐country skiing team heading into the Nordic Ski World Championships in Trondheim. It highlights how past team successes in Planica have been built upon with individual breakthroughs by athletes such as Victoria Carl, whose realistic medal chances in individual events are bolstered by a strong and developing team effort, and mentions standout performances from Friedrich Moch, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, and Laura Gimmler.
Norwegians Suspect Iivo Niskanen of Feigning Illness – 'He Has Complained About Being Sick Before'
February 24, 2025 / Yle
Norwegian skiing figures are expressing skepticism over Finnish cross-country star Iivo Niskanen’s claim that he contracted influenza following the Falun World Cup events, casting doubt on his readiness for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim 2025. Experts note that given his history of exaggerating complaints of illness, it is uncertain whether he will recover to peak performance in time for the major competitions.
Petter Northug misses Vasaloppet: 'There were some terrible days'
February 24, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Renowned cross-country skier Petter Northug has withdrawn from the Vasaloppet due to illness. Northug revealed that he suffered from norovirus, which brought on severe symptoms including rashes and fever, forcing him to miss the race; he previously finished 18th last year and 48th in 2023.
Petter Northug Withdraws from Vasaloppet After Illness Troubles – Season May Be Over
February 24, 2025 / Eurosport
Former skiing icon Petter Northug, 39, has withdrawn from the Vasaloppet due to severe illness, including a bout with norovirus and previous back issues. His decision casts doubt on his ability to continue competing this season, potentially jeopardizing his participation in other major events such as the ski-NM.
How a Sick Iivo Niskanen is Replaced – Finland’s Substitute Heads First for Vasaloppet
February 24, 2025 / Yle
Iivo Niskanen’s participation in the 2025 World Championships is uncertain due to a severe illness, leaving the Finnish team to make adjustments. Remi Lindholm will take his place in the combination event while reserve Markus Vuorela is set to compete in the 50 km race, starting with the upcoming Vasaloppet. Coach Teemu Pasanen emphasizes that Niskanen must fully recover before resuming training and competition to protect his long-term health.
The Shock for the Finnish Star: 'Like a Gift from Sweden'
February 24, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Just days before the Cross-Country Skiing World Championships in Trondheim, Finland’s top medal hope, Iivo Niskanen, has fallen ill. After a World Cup weekend in Falun a week earlier, Niskanen now faces the possibility of missing the championships due to the flu, which he describes as having arrived 'like a gift from Sweden'.
Iivo Niskanen’s Illness is ‘an Extreme Blow’ to Finland’s World Championships Team – Harsh Expert Remarks
February 24, 2025 / Yle
Finnish cross-country skiing star Iivo Niskanen has been sidelined by influenza shortly after the Falun World Cup weekend, jeopardizing Finland’s medal hopes at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim. His absence from the upcoming combination event, and possibly further races, is seen as a major setback for the Finnish team, with experts expressing serious concern over his recovery and its impact on relay events.
Klæbo’s Gold Rival Has Fallen Ill Before the World Championships
February 24, 2025 / Eurosport
The Finnish cross-country skier Iivo Niskanen has fallen ill just before the World Championships in Granåsen. He will withdraw from the skiathlon, instead focusing on the 10 km classic race and other events, as he strives to recover in time despite a streak of bad luck over the past three seasons.
Iivo Niskanen Ill With Influenza – World Championships Participation Uncertain
February 24, 2025 / Yle
Finnish cross-country skiing star Iivo Niskanen has fallen ill with influenza on the eve of the World Championships, casting doubt on his participation in the event. His manager, Miro Rousku, confirmed the illness, and the Finnish Ski Federation announced that Niskanen will be withdrawn from the combined event, with Remi Lindholm taking his place.