Mattis Stenshagen crushes Klæbo and the field to win first World Cup in Tour de Ski Toblach 10 km classic

On the second day of the Tour de Ski, Mattis Stenshagen seized a golden opportunity to showcase his classic-skiing form just 39 days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In the 10 km classic interval start in Toblach, the 29‑year‑old Norwegian led from the opening checkpoints and never looked back, delivering a dominant performance for the first World Cup win of his career.

Stenshagen, who entered the day with three previous World Cup podiums (all third places), set the fastest splits at every intermediate time after just 200 meters and maintained control through the final kilometers. Although he conceded three seconds to compatriot Emil Iversen over the last two kilometers, Stenshagen still crossed the line 10.1 seconds clear of Iversen’s then‑time. Only Johannes Høsflot Klæbo appeared capable of threatening the victory, but even the Norwegian star could not overturn Stenshagen’s advantage and finished second at +8.9. Iversen completed the podium in third.

NRK expert Fredrik Aukland lauded Stenshagen’s season and suggested the result pushes him firmly into Olympic-team conversation: “Now we’re talking about an Olympic spot… he’s had a phenomenal season.” Stenshagen himself told NRK the win felt “indescribable,” reflecting on years of work to even reach World Cup level.

The article also notes the broader Olympic selection picture for Norway’s men. Five athletes are already named to the Games—Harald Østberg Amundsen, Einar Hedegart, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget and Erik Valnes—leaving three remaining places to be decided. Norwegian results from Toblach included Valnes 6th, Amundsen 7th, Lars Heggen 19th, Andreas Fjorden Ree 27th, Simen Hegstad Krüger 31st, Ansgar Evensen 80th and Oskar Opstad Vike 84th.

Despite finishing second on the day, Klæbo retained the overall Tour de Ski lead by 53 seconds over Lars Heggen, with Amundsen 57 seconds behind after stage two. Following a rest day, the Tour program continues with:

• 31 Dec: 5 km mass start heats (Toblach)
• 1 Jan: 20 km classic pursuit (Toblach)
• 3 Jan: Classic sprint (Val di Fiemme)
• 4 Jan: 10 km freestyle mass start (Val di Fiemme)

The final two stages will be held on the Olympic courses in Val di Fiemme.