CROSS-COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP 2024/2025 – At the end of a mass start won by Simen Krueger, Hugo Lapalus succeeded in his bet. 4th in the event, the Frenchman took advantage of the failures of his competitors to secure 3rd final place in the Tour de Ski, as in 2024.
Following several days of intense competition, the Ski Tour ended this Sunday with the mass start of Val di Fiemme. Over the 10 km on the program, the terrible climb of theAlpe Cermis was akin to a real justice of the peace with more than three dry rise terminals, presenting percentages of up to 30%!
Simen Krueger flies on Alpe Cermis, Hugo Lapalus provides the essentials
Solide leader, Johannes Klaebo already had victory in the Tour de Ski in hand with a more than substantial lead over his first rival (more than two minutes). Following the start of the race as a warm-up, the Norwegian will establish his domination by gradually blowing up the leading peloton. In its wake, only a handful of competitors manage to hang on, including Hugo Lapalus. On the other hand, Havard Moseby et Erik Valnes are suffering and losing ground. Around two kilometers from the finish, the Frenchman found himself on the podium, just behind a solid Mika Vermeulen.
If Klaebo lets the victory slip away by completing the climb without doing too much (18th), Simon Krueger pointed out his nose before taking command of operations. Only Vermeulen manages to follow him, without being able to call into question the inevitable success of the Norwegian. The Austrian therefore finished 2nd of the day, but also of the Tour de Ski. For his part, Hugo Lapalus was unable to keep up with the pace of the two men, and even had to let Friedrich Moch overtake him in the final straight for the final place on the podium. Fourth in the mass start, the Frenchman nevertheless has something to smile about. Moseby (17th) and Valnes (28th) completely failed, which allowed him to win the 3rd place in the Tour de Ski. This is therefore a second consecutive podium on the legendary tour for the Habs, already 3rd last winter!
Also note that with a nice 13th place today, Mathis Desloges takes an honorable 8th place in the final ranking of this Tour de Ski 2025.
