Tour de Ski: Mattis Stenshagen beats Klæbo for his first World Cup victory

Mattis Stenshagen delivered a masterclass in classic technique to win the men’s 10 km classic in Toblach, stage two of the Tour de Ski, claiming his first World Cup victory. Starting fast and maintaining control over the crucial climbs, the Norwegian finished 8.9 seconds ahead of teammate Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Emil Iversen completed an all‑Norwegian podium in third, just 1.2 seconds behind Klæbo.

Speaking to NRK, Stenshagen said he had considered quitting earlier this year, but a blunt talk on a training run with close friend Mikael Gunnulfsen changed his outlook. Gunnulfsen reminded him that a World Cup start in an Olympic season was an opportunity he might never have again, pushing him to double down on his commitment. “It’s indescribable. I’ve worked for years to reach the World Cup, and this year I’ve shown I’m among the best,” Stenshagen said.

Klæbo praised the winner, saying if anyone deserved to stand on top, it was Stenshagen. Iversen, meanwhile, admitted the result is “a bit unfortunate” for his own Olympic hopes, even as he celebrated another podium.

National team coach Eirik Myhr Nossum declined to discuss Olympic selections, saying Norway will continue collecting results through the Norwegian Championships before final decisions are made. Not everyone strengthened their case in Toblach: Simen Hegstad Krüger and Andreas Fjorden Ree both described their races as heavy and disappointing.

NRK expert Fredrik Aukland highlighted Stenshagen’s nearly flawless diagonal technique on the decisive climbs, calling it the new standard so far this season. The victory crowns a consistent autumn for Stenshagen, who had a World Cup season-long quota spot and previously earned two podiums without a win.