Martin Nyenget beats Johannes Klæbo in Ruka 10 km classic; Hugo Lapalus 10th

Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget claimed victory in the men’s 10 km classic at Ruka, defeating Norwegian teammate and multiple globe and world champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo by 2.1 seconds.

The race opened the distance program of the new World Cup season, also an Olympic year. Klæbo set the benchmark for much of the race before Nyenget displaced him late to take the win. Klæbo, gracious in defeat, congratulated his compatriot in the finish area and quickly turned his focus to the sprint scheduled later the same day.

Austria’s Mika Vermeulen took third at 4.2 seconds to prevent another Norwegian podium sweep. Norway nevertheless showcased its depth with six athletes placing inside the top eight.

On the French side, Hugo Lapalus started strongly into the season with 10th place, 28.8 seconds behind the winner, reaffirming his consistency in classic distance races. Seventeen-year-old Mathis Desloges impressed with 17th (+41.4) despite classic not being his specialty, and Clément Parisse posted an encouraging 20th (+47.8).

In the women’s field earlier in the day, Sweden’s Frida Karlsson won the 10 km classic in Ruka to open her campaign (reported separately).