Therese Johaug, the celebrated Norwegian cross-country skier, has made a surprising reversal of her earlier decision to skip the Tour de Ski. After initially declaring her intention to focus solely on the World Championships in Trondheim, scheduled for February and March, Johaug has now been included in the Norwegian team for the prestigious multi-stage race. This unexpected change of heart stems from Johaug’s desire to gain more competitive experience leading up to the World Championships. Following the recent World Cup races in Davos, Johaug expressed the need for additional race exposure to fine-tune her form and optimize her performance for the paramount event in Trondheim.
Johaug’s inclusion in the Tour de Ski roster adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to an already highly competitive field. Her return to competitive skiing after initially retiring following the 2021-22 season has been nothing short of remarkable. The 36-year-old distance specialist has quickly reasserted her dominance, securing two victories and two additional podium finishes in the five distance races held so far this World Cup season. Her presence in the Tour de Ski undoubtedly elevates the stakes and positions her as a strong contender for the overall title.
The decision to participate in the Tour de Ski signifies Johaug’s unwavering commitment to achieving peak performance at the World Championships in Trondheim. The grueling multi-stage format of the Tour, known for its challenging courses and demanding schedule, offers an ideal platform for Johaug to refine her race strategies and build crucial endurance. By competing against some of the world’s best skiers in the Tour de Ski, Johaug aims to hone her skills and optimize her physical condition in preparation for the ultimate test at the World Championships.
The Norwegian team heading to the Tour de Ski boasts a formidable lineup, further highlighting the nation’s dominance in cross-country skiing. Alongside Johaug, the team features prominent figures like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Heidi Weng, both renowned for their exceptional abilities and past successes. However, the team will be without sprint specialist Kristine Stavås Skistad and Tiril Udnes Weng, a former overall World Cup winner, whose absence presents an opportunity for other skiers to shine.
This year’s Tour de Ski will be exclusively held in Italy, departing from the traditional format of spanning multiple countries. The action kicks off in Toblach on December 28th, traversing through various Italian locales before culminating in the iconic uphill climb of Alpe Cermis in Val di Fiemme on January 5th. The challenging terrain and demanding schedule will test the mettle of even the most seasoned skiers, making the competition all the more captivating.
Johaug’s history with the Tour de Ski adds another dimension to her participation. Having previously conquered the tour three times, in 2014, 2016, and 2020, she carries a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her past triumphs not only underscore her exceptional talent but also position her as a serious contender for a fourth Tour de Ski title. With her remarkable comeback and consistent performance this season, Johaug enters the tour as a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The Tour de Ski promises to be a captivating display of athleticism and endurance, with Johaug’s participation adding a significant layer of intrigue and excitement.
