Cross Country Skiing
Edvin Anger: “We Will Paint Mördarbacken Yellow”
February 14, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Swedish cross-country skier Edvin Anger, one of the World Cup’s top athletes this season, vows that his supporters will “paint Mördarbacken yellow” during the upcoming sprint race in Falun. He is set to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, and his campaign has already rallied strong backing with multiple supporter buses arriving from Hedemora.
World Championship Selected Duo Eliminated Immediately: 'Worthless'
February 14, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
The article reports on a disappointing performance in a cross-country skiing sprint qualification at Falun. While ski star Linn Svahn excelled in the women’s classic sprint and Edvin Anger finished third in the men’s, the duo of Marcus Grate and Oskar Svensson were eliminated, prompting Grate to express his frustration as 'worthless'.
Aleksandr Bolšunov to Compete Abroad for the First Time in Three Years – Russian ‘Cleanliness’ Leaves Rivals Deep in Thought
February 12, 2025 / YLE
Cross-country skiing star Aleksandr Bolšunov is set to compete internationally for the first time in almost three years at the Sudritol Moonlight Classic in Italy. The event, featuring a unique night race illuminated by headlamps and torchlight, also sees Finnish skier Heli Heiskanen in action, prompting discussions about Russia’s return to international competitions after years of isolation.
Inkki Inola Wins World Championship Bronze in Para Cross-Country Skiing – 'A Major Milestone in My Career'
February 12, 2025 / Yle
Finnish para cross-country skier Inkki Inola earned his first prestigious medal at the World Championships in Toblach by finishing third in the 10 km classical race. He described the contest as extremely challenging due to high altitude and wet track conditions, and celebrated the achievement as a long-sought milestone in his career. Inola, whose season has been on an upward trend, is set to compete in a 20 km freestyle race and is one of Finland’s few medal hopefuls ahead of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Norwegian Skier Fined for 'Sexual Celebration' – Won World Championship Gold Ahead of Niko Anttola
February 12, 2025 / Yle
Norwegian skier Mathias Holbæk won three gold medals at the youth World Championships, including the classic mass start race in which Niko Anttola took silver. However, his celebratory gesture, described by the International Ski Federation (FIS) as 'sexual and unsporting', resulted in a fine of 250 Swiss francs. Holbæk defended his actions, stating that he found the celebration amusing and different.
First Case in 55 Years: Champion Skier Dropped from Norwegian World Championship Team – 'It’s Not Easy Being Norwegian'
February 12, 2025 / Yle
Norwegian cross-country skier Henrik Dönnestad won a 10 km classical race at a national selection event but was later dropped from the World Championship team, marking the first such occurrence in 55 years. The article outlines the harsh and demanding Norwegian selection system and compares this case with past instances of team rejections despite strong performances.
Therese Johaug Wants to Continue After the World Championships at Home
February 11, 2025 / Yle
Norwegian cross-country skiing queen Therese Johaug has returned to the competitive tracks for the current season to chase even more medals following the World Championships in Trondheim. Although her 50 km race at the Championships—originally meant to be her career finale—was expected to conclude her career, Johaug now plans to extend her competitive journey by participating in the World Cup event at Holmenkollen.
Linn Svahn makes comeback: 'Feeling good – ready to compete'
February 11, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Swedish cross-country skiing star Linn Svahn has returned after a period of illness and recovery. While top national athletes are packing for a high-altitude training camp ahead of the World Championships in Trondheim, Svahn will instead be racing in Falun, marking an unexpected change of plans.
Aleksandr Bolšunov Competes in Italy – What You Need to Know
February 11, 2025 / Yle
Russian cross-country skiing triple Olympic champion Aleksandr Bolšunov is set to return to international competition in Italy. Competing in the 30 km Sudtirol Moonlight Classic—his first race abroad since March 2022—he is predicted by experts to be a strong contender, even without his typical peak form.
Johanna Matintalo Faces the Biggest Test of Her Rehabilitation in Falun – 'I Hope to Be Positively Surprised'
February 10, 2025 / Yle
Finnish cross-country skier Johanna Matintalo is set to return to high-level competition during the World Cup weekend in Falun. Recovering from a calf injury that forced her to withdraw from the Tour de Skin, she has adhered strictly to her rehabilitation schedule and is cautiously optimistic about her upcoming performance. Matintalo is determined to test her progress and looks forward to a race that could bolster her confidence ahead of the World Championships in Trondheim.
Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and Therese Johaug Return to the World Cup in Falun
February 10, 2025 / Yle
Top cross-country skiers Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and Therese Johaug make their comeback in Falun. Kläbo, who missed previous races in Switzerland due to illness, and Johaug, last seen during the Norwegian championships and after winning a Tour de Ski stage, are set to compete in the final World Cup event before the FIS Nordic World Championships in Trondheim.
Therese Johaug Returns – Competing in Falun
February 10, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Norwegian cross-country skier Therese Johaug is returning to international competition after nearly a month’s absence. She will race in the 10 and 20 kilometer events at the Falun World Cup, the final event before the Ski World Championships in Trondheim. Her compatriot, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who has also been sidelined due to illness, is competing in all three disciplines at the meet.