FIS Cross-Country World Cup – Les Rousses, France
After two weeks of much-needed rest following the grueling Tour de Ski, the FIS Cross-Country World Cup resumed in Les Rousses, France—and what a weekend it turned out to be! Despite the absence of most of Norway’s A-team, who stayed home for their National Championships, and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo opting to focus on recovery, likely prioritizing the World Championships in Trondheim.
The action kicked off with a 10K skate interval start, where Norway’s depth was on full display. Even without their top stars, Norwegian skiers claimed first and second place, proving that even those outside the Norwegian A-team are still world-class contenders (and also former Olympic, Tour de Ski and World Cup winners). But the real headline for us? Ben Ogden securing his first-ever World Cup distance podium—a moment to remember, especially on a course featuring the steepest climb on the World Cup circuit. In the women’s 10K, Jessie Diggins delivered a breathtaking performance, going fast and hard throughout the entire race on the daunting course. Despite battling plantar fasciitis and a partial fascia rupture by the heel bone, she powered through to another victory. With this triumph, she also claimed the distance World Cup leader’s bib.
The classic sprints brought plenty of excitement. JC Schoonmaker thrilled US fans by making the finals, but the day belonged to Edwin Anger, who stormed with an aggressive start and fearless skiing to his first-ever World Cup victory. On the women’s side, Diggins, limited by injury, was unable to qualify for the heats, having to double-pole and herringbone the entire qualifier. Meanwhile, Kristine Stavås Skistad made a triumphant comeback, securing her first sprint victory of the season—a powerful statement after undergoing abdominal surgery earlier in the year. Underscored by the fact that she had also won the Norwegian National Championship in skate sprint just two days earlier.
In the 20K classic mass start, Frida Karlsson dominated the women’s field, securing an unchallenged victory. Diggins decided not to start due to the injury, not sure if we will see her in the classic races in the near future. On the men’s side, Swedish talent William Poromaa outsprinted Iivo Niskanen to earn his first-ever World Cup victory. Despite being a classic race—Niskanen’s specialty—the steep hills of Les Rousses proved to be a challenge, preventing him from breaking away from the pack.
Skate 10 km Interval start
1. Iver Tildheim Andersen (NOR) 19:50.6 🥇
2. Paal Golberg (NOR) +5.2 🥈
3. Ben Ogden (USA) +9.1 🥉
1. Jessie Diggins (USA) 22:37.7 🥇
2. Victoria Carl (GER) +19.5 🥈
3. Astrid Oeyre Slind (NOR) +20.1 🥉
Classic Sprint
1. Kristine S. Skistad (NOR) 🥇
2. Maja Dahlqvist (SWE) 🥈
3. Jonna Sundling (SWE) 🥉
1. Edvin Anger (SWE) 🥇
2. Ansgar Evensen (NOR) 🥈
3. Erik Valnes (NOR) 🥉
Classic 20 km Mass Start
1. Frida Karlsson (SWE) 55:29.1 🥇
2. Ebba Andersson (SWE) +1:29.9 🥈
3. Teresa Stadobler (AUT) +1:41.3 🥉
1. William Poromaa (SWE) 51:43.1 🥇
2. Iivo Niskanen (FIN) +0.9 🥈
3. Simen Hegstad Krueger (NOR) +5.0 🥉
