Alvar Myhlback after the monster climb: "Ski Classics is tougher"

Alvar Myhlback finished 44th up Alpe Cermis in the final stage of the Tour de Ski and ended up 40th overall in the general classification — more than six minutes behind Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who took his fifth overall Tour de Ski victory.

The 19‑year‑old was not especially happy with his showing in his Tour de Ski debut.

"I've skied terribly. It's frustrating. But today was at least a fun day with something new," he told SVT Sport.

On Sunday the Tour de Ski concluded with the final stage and the climb up the so‑called "monster hill" Alpe Cermis. Myhlback said the uphill was fun but downplayed its difficulty compared with the long climbs of Ski Classics.

"It was actually fun. It's tougher in Ski Classics. This hill only takes about a quarter of an hour — it's nothing compared with the real climbs," he said.

Myhlback was 44th in the climb. The best Swedish finisher on the climb was William Poromaa in 17th place.

All Swedish overall placings in the Tour de Ski:

12) Edvin Anger

19) Truls Gisselman

23) William Poromaa

29) Gustaf Berglund

32) Eric Rosjö

35) Johan Ekberg

40) Alvar Myhlback

51) Jonas Eriksson

53) Anton Grahn

Myhlback said he was disappointed with his overall result but enjoyed the experience of the final climb. Several interviews with Tour de Ski stars are available on SVT Sport, including reactions from Moa Lundgren, Moa Ilar, Johanna Hagström, Emil Iversen, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and William Poromaa.

Published 4 January 2026. Updated 4 January 2026.