Tour de Ski — Teresa Stadlober third in 20 km pursuit

Teresa Stadlober continued her strong Tour de Ski form by taking third place in the 20 km classical pursuit in Toblach. The 32-year-old Austrian from Salzburg finished behind overall leader Jessica Diggins (USA), who rode to a solo win — Diggins claimed her 30th World Cup victory — and Swedish skier Moa Ilar, who beat Stadlober by 0.3 seconds in the final sprint.

Stadlober was on podium pace from about one kilometre into the race. While Diggins skied alone at the front, Stadlober and Ilar formed a chasing duo separated from the rest of the field; Stadlober did much of the work as pace-setter until Ilar proved the slightly stronger finisher on the last lap.

The previously second-placed skier in the overall Tour, Astrid Øyre Slind, did not start the race due to illness, and Stadlober now sits third in the overall Tour de Ski standings.

Stadlober reflected on the race: “That was another great day and another podium for Team Austria. A great start to the new year, even if the race was very tough for me and I feel a bit at my physical limit. It also makes a big difference whether you ski in a pair or in a big group. I am really super happy — especially because of the two podiums and being on the Tour podium. Team Austria is ‘on fire’, our equipment was excellent and the mood is sensational. I think the next two races still hold a lot of possibilities.”

Results (top three): - 1st: Jessica Diggins (USA) - 2nd: Moa Ilar (SWE) - 3rd: Teresa Stadlober (AUT)

Stadlober’s podium in Toblach follows another podium earlier in the Tour and strengthens Austria’s showing in the series. The Tour de Ski continues with the remaining stages, where Stadlober and her teammates will aim to maintain momentum.