Diggins takes her third Tour de Ski title — Simpson‑Larsen dominates the monster climb

Jessica Diggins wrapped up her final Tour de Ski with another triumph, taking her third overall title in the season-closing stage race. Going into the last stage up the brutal Alpe Cermis climb she held a lead of 1:19 over Finland's Jasmi Joensuu in second place. None of her rivals could make up the deficit and the 34-year-old American finished the Tour de Ski with the third overall win of her career.

However the headline performance on the day belonged to Norway's Karoline Simpson‑Larsen. She crossed the Alpe Cermis finish line first, 8.8 seconds ahead of Diggins, claiming her second career World Cup victory. Simpson‑Larsen rode the climb aggressively, attacking early and holding off seasoned rivals — a display that drew strong praise from pundits and former champions. Viaplay expert Niklas Dyrhaug said Simpson‑Larsen deserved an Olympic spot; she has not yet been named to Norway's Olympic team. Simpson‑Larsen herself called the result hugely rewarding and said it strengthens her case for selection.

Heidi Weng continued her good form, moving up four places on the stage and taking third on the final ascent, which pushed her onto the overall podium in the final standings. Julie Bjervig Drivenes and Weng were Norway's best in the overall classification behind Diggins, placed sixth and seventh on the final stage, respectively.

Also already selected for the Norwegian Olympic team are Heidi Weng, Astrid Øyre Slind and Kristine Stavås Skistad. Several Norwegian voices — including Therese Johaug and Helene Marie Fossesholm — said Simpson‑Larsen’s Alpe Cermis ride strengthens her Olympic case.

Diggins’ farewell Tour de Ski has been a hugely successful swansong: she leaves the series as a three‑time overall winner, while Simpson‑Larsen announced herself as a genuine threat in big climbing stages.