Emil Iversen on the podium — sprinted past Russian Savelij Korosteljov

Emil Iversen on the podium — sprinted past Russian Savelij Korosteljov

Published yesterday 14:53

Not since 2022 has a Russian been on the podium in the cross‑country World Cup.

But today it was close.

Emil Iversen prevented Savelij Korosteljov's dream.

"Nice to beat him," Iversen said, adding that he felt extra energy knowing a Russian was chasing him.

For just under a month the Russians Savelij Korosteljov and Darija Neprjajeva have been allowed to race in the World Cup under a neutral flag. Neither had been near the podium until today.

"Satisfied with the whole race"

On the final climb up Alpe Cermis in the Tour de Ski's last stage, Korosteljov finished fourth, only five seconds behind Norway's Emil Iversen in third.

"I'm really satisfied with the whole race, but the last 50 metres I was bad," Korosteljov said with a laugh.

"Yes, you were really close to the podium. What was the feeling at the end?"

"I understood I had to go hard to make up Emil's lead, but I had no energy left for the finish. So I'm not sad about it, but... yes, I was really close!"

Flag allowed among spectators

There were several Russian supporters on site with a large Russian flag, and they cheered loudly behind the interview zone when Korosteljov arrived.

"I didn't see them until I finished, because when you ski you notice nothing," he said.

Korosteljov is not allowed to race in clothing displaying the Russian flag, and the flag must not be visible inside the accredited area.

"But outside we cannot control that. It's not illegal to have the Russian flag," Bruno Sassi, FIS communications director, told SVT Sport.

"That you cannot have the flag on you while you compete — is that something you miss?"

"For me it doesn't matter right now, because I need to compete and show myself here," Korosteljov replied.

Iversen enjoyed third place

Iversen hopes more Russians will join the field soon — and for now he was pleased to have beaten one.

"I hope there will be more athletes. But right now I'm the only one, and I have to show what we can do," he said.

Emil Iversen was radiant about his third place and said it felt extra good to have beaten a Russian opponent.

"It brought back memories from my first Tour de Ski, when I sprinted past a Russian for tenth place. I got a bit of superpowers at the end," he told SVT Sport.