King Klaebo has another crown in his sights after 10km classic cruise

It was Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo and the rest in Val Müstair, Switzerland on Sunday. The five-time Olympic gold medallist, already one of cross-country skiing’s all-time greats, proved his versatility by following up Saturday’s sprint success to top the podium in the 10km classic.

Starting seven seconds ahead of his closest competitor because of the pursuit format, the Norwegian never looked back. Looking smooth and speedy – one stumble aside – on the flat and downhill sections and economical on the tough climbs, the 26-year-old had increased his lead to 17 seconds by the halfway point.

He could even afford to take it relatively easy on the third of four laps, with the field never getting to within ten seconds as Klaebo took what already looks like an unassailable lead into the Tour de Ski’s next event in Oberstdorf on Tuesday.

He also drew level with compatriot Petter Northug on 13 Tour de Ski stage victories. “It feels amazing,” Klaebo said. “Hopefully I have some more years left so we can try to beat him, but it’s a great feeling – what a perfect way to start the new year.”

The battle for the other podium places was much closer, with overall World Cup leader Paal Goldberg coming from 9th place and 37 seconds back to join a chasing pack of four others at halfway. When the Norwegian made a break with one lap to go, Federico Pellegrino was the only one to stay with him. The Italian, who just lost out to Klaebo in a sprint for the finish on Saturday, again made a dash for the line, but gave himself too much to do and had to settle for bronze after a photo finish.

Pellegrino, who now has five podium finishes this World Cup season, was philosophical. “It was super,” said the 32-year-old double Olympic silver medallist. “I put my best quality out on the field, used tactics well and managed my body perfectly along the race.

“I waited until somebody came from the back with good pace and this guy was Golberg. Then I said ‘ok, I can try to stay with him and do my best until the end’. He was better than me in the final part, but I was so proud of my job.

“I have nothing to lose and I am really free in my mind and my body - I want to continue like this for the [rest of the] Tour de Ski.”

Click here for the full results from Val Müstair.