Nordic skiing
Cross-country skier Carl solid – Swedes dominate
Victoria Carl (l) came eighth in Ruka. photo
© Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva/dpa
The cross-country skiing Olympic champions Hennig and Carl show their potential at the start of the winter. In this form, the first individual podium finish should only be a matter of time.
Cross-country skiing Olympic champion Victoria Carl also achieved a decent result in the mass start one day after her impressive success in the individual start. The 28-year-old took eighth place over the 20 kilometers in the free technique in Ruka, Finland.
Carl only had to choose from the world elite Sweden, Norway and the USA were beaten. The day’s victory went to the Swede Ilar Moa, who prevailed in the finish sprint ahead of the US duo Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan. Ebba Andersson came fifth this time the day after her win.
Hennig seems drained
This time Katharina Hennig was unable to keep up with the absolute best in the world, as she appeared drained after the two races on Friday and Saturday. The Olympic champion didn’t get higher than 27th place. On Saturday, Hennig and Carl, who sensationally won gold together in the team sprint in Beijing 2022, took fifth and sixth place. “My goal was top six, and I achieved that. But I really struggled. I’m very happy that I still came fifth,” said Hennig.
The same thing happened to teammate Carl. “I’m super proud. I was able to really use my strengths tactically and technically. I’m super happy. Katha also did a great job,” she said. Constant snowfall and temperatures well below zero created a winter sports feeling in Finland. In contrast to the women, the cross-country skiing men in Peter Schlickenrieder’s team are not currently among the world’s best.