Cross-country in Toblach: German men face Olympic qualification doubts

Germany’s men continued a difficult Tour de Ski in Toblach, where they failed to contend on the 10 km classic second stage. Norway’s Mattis Stenshagen took the win, while Florian Notz finished as the top German in 28th. Friedrich Moch, runner-up in the overall Tour in 2023/24, could only place 66th.

Speaking to Sportschau, Moch admitted his frustration: “I don’t know what to say about the race. Nothing went at all,” adding he felt “a bit all over the place.” The 25-year-old, like several teammates, is now under pressure to meet criteria for Olympic selection. Janosch Brugger finished 29th and noted the rising depth of the field: “It’s getting tighter and tighter—every second counts.” Jan Stölben, 22nd in the sprint prologue the day before, placed 65th and said he felt unwell both days, but remained optimistic that better results will come.

With Olympic cross-country events starting on 8 February, time is running short for the German men. Aside from Notz, none of the German men have secured qualification.

In the overall Tour de Ski standings after two of six stages, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo already leads by 53 seconds over compatriot Lars Heggen. The record world champion could become the first athlete to win the Tour de Ski five times, surpassing the shared mark he currently holds with Switzerland’s Dario Cologna. Brugger is the best German overall in 29th, 2:14 behind.