Maiden World Cup victory for reigning U23 World Champion
Nov 26, 2021·Cross-Country
For the seasons first competition of the FIS Cross-Country men, the grand elite of Sprinters was lined up at the start. In the Finals it all came down to current U23 Sprint World Champion Alexander Terentev facing last years winner Erik Valnes, Sprint expert Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Håvard Solås Taugbøl along with Richard Jouve and Joni Mäki.
For Alexander Terentev, today's season start was all about going all in. Feeling at his top shape, the 22-year young Russian athlete set the pace from the qualification, which he won and thus gained additional 15 World Cup points due to the new qualification regulations. Throughout the heats, he paced the speed and especially in the Finals, his powerful and impressive climb of the final uphill brought him the final advantage compared to his contenters.
Until this decisive final uphill, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo took control by making a move halfway along the course. This time, his fellow competitors were ready to react and remained on his heels.
Indeed, this final move of Alexander Terentev gave no chances to react and brought him his final World Cup victory before Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Erik Valnes.
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