Hagström wins from the front after chaos in Trondheim sprint final

Johanna Hagström (SWE) claimed victory in the women’s classic sprint at the FIS Cross‑Country World Cup in Trondheim, returning to the same course where a late semi‑final fall ended her medal hopes at the 2025 World Championships. On fast, compact snow, Hagström advanced smoothly through the rounds while several favorites were eliminated earlier, including Kristine Stavaas Skistad (NOR), who misjudged tactics in a stacked quarter‑final.

The final featured Hagström, Emma Ribom (SWE), Linn Svahn (SWE), Jonna Sundling (SWE), Laura Gimmler (GER) and Ingrid Bergene Aabrekk (NOR). Gimmler crashed at the top of the first downhill, taking down Svahn and breaking one of Sundling’s poles. Although both Swedes rejoined the fight, Hagström established a clear lead with Ribom and Aabrekk chasing.

As the group approached the critical final corner, Sundling had fought back into contention but fell after a ski clash with Aabrekk, removing her from the podium battle. Hagström, already ten metres clear, negotiated the corner safely and finished 1.53 seconds ahead of Ribom, with Svahn completing the podium at +2.67. Sundling placed fourth.

Hagström celebrated her second career World Cup win, both in classic sprint, saying she was “in shock” at the chaos behind her but focused on pushing to the line. The race unfolded against a backdrop of speculation about Swedish Olympic sprint selection for Milano Cortina 2026, with Moa Ilar and Maja Dahlqvist—podium finishers in Ruka last week but non‑finalists in Trondheim—also in the wider conversation. World Cup action in Trondheim continues with men’s and women’s 20 km skiathlons on Saturday.

For detailed results, FIS provides full timing and rankings on the event page.