Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiers slam icy Ruka conditions: “It was about not dying”
November 30, 2025 / NRK Sport
At the Ruka World Cup, athletes criticized extremely icy tracks after a 20 km mass start that left several struggling and one Norwegian bleeding from the nose after a pole strike. Harald Østberg Amundsen won ahead of Einar Hedegart and Sweden’s Edvin Anger, while Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s bid for a 100th World Cup victory stalled in 15th. Opinions differed on safety: some called it the toughest conditions they’ve seen, while others said such challenges must be handled.
Cross-country: Swedish team split over high‑altitude training before the Olympics
November 30, 2025 / SVT Sport
SVT reports that Sweden’s cross-country team is divided on whether high‑altitude camps are beneficial ahead of the Olympics. Ebba Andersson and Edvin Anger are opting out based on previous responses, while William Poromaa and Maja Dahlqvist say altitude gives them a boost and plan to use it in their Olympic build‑up. The federation, supported by the Swedish Olympic Committee, will run a pre‑Olympic camp in Seiser Alm, with several stars skipping the final World Cup in Goms to attend.
Swedish success — Jonna Sundling wins the 20 km mass start in Ruka
November 30, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
Jonna Sundling won the women’s 20 km mass start at the Ruka World Cup, finishing in 50:24.9 after a powerful closing surge. Jessie Diggins took second, 2.3 seconds back, and Heidi Weng was third at +2.8, with Swedes Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson placing fourth and fifth. The result capped a strong weekend for Sweden at the international season opener in Finland.
Amundsen makes late burst to win 20k in Ruka: 'I'm hungry for more'
November 30, 2025 / FIS
Harald Østberg Amundsen won the men's 20 km mass start freestyle in Ruka, Finland, launching a decisive attack on the final incline to beat Norway’s Einar Hedegart and Sweden’s Edvin Anger. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, chasing a 100th World Cup victory, faded to 15th after being unable to follow a mid‑race break by Anger and Mika Vermeulen. The article recaps key moves, quotes the podium, and notes the World Cup now moves to Trondheim.
Karlsson disappointed by lack of help setting the pace: “Hard when no one else wants to push”
November 30, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
Sweden’s Frida Karlsson finished fourth in the women’s mass start in Ruka after losing out in the sprint. She expressed disappointment that few competitors helped drive the pace at the front, saying it was difficult to keep speed high alone. The race is part of the Cross-Country World Cup in Ruka, Finland.
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Einar Hedegart emerges as a hot Olympic contender after another blistering race: “He’s incredibly strong”
November 30, 2025 / Eurosport Norway
Norwegian biathlete-turned-cross-country skier Einar Hedegart followed up his surprise 10 km win at the Beitostølen season opener by finishing second in the Ruka 20 km mass start, only behind Harald Østberg Amundsen. Despite small tactical and technical mistakes, Hedegart’s form has propelled him into serious contention for Norway’s Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic team, with a crucial 10 km individual start coming next week in Trondheim.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo overshadowed in Ruka 20 km: “I’m really pissed off”
November 30, 2025 / Eurosport Norway
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo finished only 15th in the men’s 20 km race at the Ruka World Cup and called his performance “terrible,” saying nothing worked and he would head home. Norway still dominated, with Harald Østberg Amundsen attacking on the final climb to win ahead of rising compatriot Einar Hedegart, while Sweden’s Edvin Anger took third. Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget was fourth as several other Norwegians placed in the top 20.
Cross-country skiing – Ruka: Vermeulen fifth after strong mass start
November 30, 2025 / krone.at
Austria’s Mika Vermeulen finished fifth in the men’s World Cup mass start in Ruka after leading much of the 20 km race alongside Sweden’s Edvin Anger. Norway’s Harald Østberg Amundsen won ahead of compatriot Einar Hedegart and Anger, with Vermeulen 8.4 seconds off the win. Vermeulen, who was already third in Friday’s 10 km classic opener, said wind and a hard-chasing Norwegian group caught them late; teammate Tobias Ganner placed 43rd.
Emil Iversen dominates again — books a World Cup start after runaway win at Scandinavian Cup in Gålå
November 30, 2025 / Eurosport Norway
Emil Iversen crushed the field in Sunday’s 20 km at the Scandinavian Cup in Gålå, adding a second victory in three days and earning selection for next weekend’s World Cup races in Trondheim. He finished 28.6 seconds ahead of Edvard Sandvik, who was chosen for the Ruka World Cup opener over Iversen, a decision criticized by Iversen and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. The 34‑year‑old will now start both the 10 km free and the 20 km skiathlon at home, as he pursues a 10 km start at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Can Finland’s women close the big gap to the top? Expert Ville Nousiainen’s cautiously optimistic take
November 30, 2025 / Yle
On an icy course in Ruka’s 20 km freestyle mass start, four Finnish women—Hilla Niemelä, Anni Alakoski, Eveliina Piippo and Oona Kettunen—DNF’d due to poor edge grip, while Krista Pärmäkoski (16th) and Kerttu Niskanen (20th) finished well behind winner Jonna Sundling. Yle expert Ville Nousiainen acknowledged the sizable deficit but believes form can improve, and women’s coach Reijo Jylhä expects speed to rise as the season progresses. The piece contrasts women’s struggles with some men’s bright spots (Iivo Niskanen 5th over 10 km classic; Lauri Vuorinen and Johanna Matintalo in sprint finals), and highlights emerging names like Veeti Pyykkö and Kalle Parantainen.
Kläbo closing in on the 'crazy' dream mark of 100 World Cup wins: “Surreal to hear”
November 30, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo goes into Sunday’s 20 km freestyle World Cup in Ruka chasing his 100th individual World Cup victory. Swedish legend Torgny Mogren called the milestone “incredible,” noting the level of competition Klæbo has faced. Klæbo himself says the figure is hard to grasp as he continues to dominate men’s cross‑country skiing.
Cross-country: Edvin Anger third in Ruka mass start: “That was nice”
November 30, 2025 / SVT Sport
Sweden’s Edvin Anger finished third in the men’s 20 km mass start in Ruka, behind Norway’s Harald Østberg Amundsen and Einar Hedegart. Anger stayed with the lead group throughout but couldn’t match the Norwegian surge on the finishing straight, calling the podium a much‑needed boost for his confidence.