Klaebo wins, but Emil Iversen celebrates first World Cup podium in five years

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (NOR) made it two FIS World Cup wins in as many days by taking the 20 km skiathlon in Trondheim, Norway, but much of the spotlight fell on hometown skier Emil Iversen (NOR).

Iversen, 34, had not been on a World Cup podium since January 2021, when he was third in the Lahti skiathlon. After a difficult stretch of seasons, he forced his way back into Norway’s team by winning a Norwegian Cup 10 km in Gålå following omission from the Ruka opener. Racing in a distinctive brown suit among Norway’s red, he sprinted to third place in Trondheim and celebrated emotionally at the finish, embracing Klaebo.

The race itself unfolded on a course that made breakaways difficult, with long descents closing gaps after each climb. After a smooth ski change midway, a large group remained in contention into the final lap of the freestyle leg. Several skiers—including Iver Tildheim Andersen (NOR), Andrew Musgrave (GBR), Harald Oestberg Amundsen (NOR) and Iversen—tried to raise the pace, but Klaebo repeatedly neutralized the moves.

Klaebo executed his trademark finishing tactics, slipstreaming Amundsen on the last descent, then diving inside before the final bend to sprint clear for his 101st individual World Cup victory. Amundsen finished second, 0.2 seconds ahead of Iversen in third. Norway impressively filled the top eight places.

Klaebo noted the high pace in both classic and skate legs and hinted at fatigue heading into Sunday’s 10 km interval start freestyle. Iversen’s podium significantly strengthens his claim for a skiathlon berth at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Action in Trondheim continues Sunday with the men’s and women’s 10 km interval start freestyle races. Full results are available via FIS.