Emotional stage win for Norwegian: 'It's been tough since Christmas'

Karoline Simpson Larsen was the fastest of all on the climb up the monster hill Alpe Cermis, taking a very special stage win in the Tour de Ski. The Norwegian broke clear on the final climb and crossed the line in first place, visibly emotional after the finish.

Simpson Larsen told Radiosporten before the Tour de Ski that she had been in the Italian village of Lavazè, where Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken was found dead nearly two weeks earlier. Johan Olav Botn — Simpson Larsen's teammate — was the one who found their team-mate in his hotel room.

"This means an enormous amount," Simpson Larsen said to Radiosporten, describing how difficult the weeks since Christmas have been for her and the team. The stage win was therefore not only a sporting achievement but also an emotional moment of relief and tribute.